Transitioning into the Community: Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators Experienced By Formerly Incarcerated, Homeless Women During Reentry-A Qualitative Study.

Formerly incarcerated, homeless women on parole or probation experience individual-and structural-level barriers and facilitators as they prepare to transition into the community during reentry. A qualitative study was undertaken using focus group methods with formerly incarcerated, currently homeless women (N = 18, Mage = 37.67, SD 10.68, 23-53 years of age) exiting jail or prison. Major themes which emerged included the following: (1) access to resources-barriers and facilitators during community transition, (2) familial reconciliation and parenting during community transition, and (3) trauma and self-care support during community transition. These findings suggest a need to develop multi-level interventions at the individual, program and institutional/societal level with a gender-sensitive lens for women who are transitioning to community reentry. It is hoped that providing such resources will reduce the likelihood of homelessness and reincarceration.

Achieving Drug and Alcohol Abstinence Among Recently Incarcerated Homeless Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Case Management With a Health Promotion Program.

BACKGROUND: Homeless female ex-offenders (homeless female offenders) exiting jail and prison are at a critical juncture during reentry and transitioning into the community setting. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of a dialectical behavioral therapy-case management (DBT-CM) program with a health promotion (HP) program on achieving drug and alcohol abstinence among female parolees/probationers residing in the community. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter parallel randomized controlled trial with 130 female parolees/probationers (aged 19-64 years) residing in the community randomly assigned to either DBT-CM (n = 65) or HP (n = 65). The trial was conducted in four community-based partner sites in Los Angeles and Pomona, California, from February 2015 to November 2016. Treatment assignment was carried out using a computer-based urn randomization program. The primary outcome was drug and alcohol use abstinence at 6-month follow up. RESULTS: Analysis was based on data from 116 participants with complete outcome data. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the DBT-CM program remained an independent positive predictor of decrease in drug use among the DBT-CM participants at 6 months (p = .01) as compared with the HP program participants. Being non-White (p < .05) and having higher depressive symptom scores (p < .05) were associated with lower odds of drug use abstinence (i.e., increased the odds of drug use) at 6 months. DISCUSSION: DBT-CM increased drug and alcohol abstinence at 6-month follow-up, compared to an HP program.

Female Ex-Offender Perspectives on Drug Initiation, Relapse, and Desire to Remain Drug Free.

Recently released homeless women residing in temporary residential drug treatment (RDT) programs are at a critical juncture in the process of recovery, transition, and reentry. The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing initial use of drugs and relapse triggers among a sample of incarcerated women exiting jails and prisons, residing in an RDT program, and preparing for reentry into their communities. Among this population, relapse to drug use and recidivism are common. A qualitative study was conducted utilizing focus groups to understand the perspectives of formerly incarcerated, currently homeless women residing in an RDT program. Content analysis generated the development of three broad categories: (a) factors associated with first drug use, (b) factors involved in relapse, and (c) factors influencing desire to remain drug free. A discussion follows highlighting the importance of targeted interventions at RDT sites that integrate physical, psychological, and social needs to optimize reentry into communities. This includes a focus on building self-esteem and life skills and providing access to resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare.