NCJ Number
230840
Date Published
October 2008
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined two voluntary mentor programs for incarcerated women.
Abstract
Women's Prison Association (WPA) uses mentoring as a means of facilitating a woman's personal growth through the WomenCare and Escort to Care Peer Mentor Programs. While all WPA programs incorporate aspects of mentoring, particularly role modeling and promoting personal development, these two programs have been created with mentoring as the primary vehicle for supporting clients. The goal of WomenCare is to promote confidence and competence in women as they transition to the community after incarceration. This is achieved by connecting the woman in reentry with a resourceful person in the community who is concerned about her well- being and can model a healthy lifestyle. Unlike many programs, women participate voluntarily which is key to the program's success. WomenCare staff work with prison and parole officials to identify potential participants for the program. Women who choose to participate enroll in an 8-week workshop provided in prison that focuses on decision-making and preparation for taking on the responsibilities of everyday life. Following release from prison, mentors participate in at least eight workshops that examine and explore strategies for helping women cope with the challenges they may face, such as with substance abuse, trauma, navigation of public assistance systems and domestic violence. Over the last 4 years, WomenCare has coordinated more than 200 mentor/mentee matches, with 85 percent completing the 10-month commitment. References