Empowering Justice-Involved Women Through Technology

By Sarah Spence & Parul Gupta Public Safety Core Pathway, Corrections, Law Enforcement 0 Comments

Justice-involved women face unique challenges that extend beyond the general difficulties of imprisonment. Many women are primary caregivers to children, grappling with the emotional toll of separation from their families. Additionally, justice-involved women often have higher rates of past trauma, including domestic violence and sexual abuse, which can complicate their mental health needs and the rehabilitation process. Gender-specific health issues, limited access to education and vocational training, and the stigma of imprisonment further hinder their reintegration into society.

The Surge of Female Incarceration Worldwide

The number of women and girls in prisons worldwide has increased by 60% in the last 20 years, much faster than the 22% rise for men. More than 740,000 women and girls are in prisons worldwide, with over 200,000 of them in the United States. The highest numbers are from China, Brazil, Russia, and Thailand¹. Women constitute 6.9% of the global prison population, with regional proportions of 3.3% in Africa, 5.9% in Europe, 6.7% in Oceania, 7.2% in Asia, and 8% in the Americas².

Justice-involved women often face severe parental challenges that can impede their rehabilitation. According to data from the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, women are likely to be parents before imprisonment³. They are also more likely than men to lose custody of their children, with their kids being five times more likely to end up in foster care. Mothers in prison frequently face the permanent loss of their parental rights⁴.

Additionally, justice-involved women face significant mental health challenges due to their unique circumstances. Studies indicate high levels of anxiety and depression among justice-involved women, especially those imprisoned for drug-related offences. In England and Wales, incidents of self-harm in women’s prisons increased by 38% within a year. An alarming 82% of justice-involved women report mental health issues, with 25% displaying symptoms of psychosis⁵.

How Technology Can Aid Justice-Involved Women

Technology offers transformative potential to address these challenges. Digital tools can provide access to teletherapy, offering a lifeline for justice-involved women suffering from anxiety, depression, or trauma⁶. Educational and skill-building platforms can empower women with knowledge and practical abilities, boosting their self-confidence and prospects when they leave prison.

For justice-involved mothers, virtual parenting programs can be particularly impactful, helping them maintain and strengthen family bonds through tools that enable consistent communication and parenting education, even from a distance. These connections not only support the emotional well-being of mothers but also reduce the psychological toll on their children⁷. Additionally, job training through tech-based resources equips women with in-demand skills, enhancing their employability upon release. By leveraging technology, correctional services can offer a rehabilitative environment that addresses the diverse needs of justice-involved women while promoting healing and personal growth.

Core Pathway: A Promising Solution

MHS’ Core Pathway solution is an innovative technology designed to support justice-involved individuals throughout their rehabilitation journey. This solution focuses on developing practical skills and furthering education to promote personal growth and successful reintegration into society. Core Pathway seeks to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive suite of digital solutions that support both in-prison and post-release rehabilitation efforts. Here are some of the ways Core Pathway can make a positive impact:

Access to Information and Services: Core Pathway enables justice-involved individuals with access to vital information and services securely, including educational resources, job search tools, and financial management applications. This access has the potential to help these individuals take control of their rehabilitation journey which fosters greater self-reliance and confidence. By providing clear pathways to resources and support, such access ensures women in prison are better equipped to navigate their circumstances, make informed decisions, and work towards a more positive future.
Enhanced Communication: Core Pathway facilitates secure messaging and video calls, allowing justice-involved individuals to stay connected with their families, legal advisors, and support networks. This is particularly important for women, who are often imprisoned further away from their social networks due to the limited number of women’s prisons. Opportunities to improve communication will help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support, essential for mental well-being.
Skill Building and Education: Core Pathway offers a range of educational and vocational training modules. In preparation for their release, women can build new skills, create CVs, and apply for jobs in prison. This focus on skill development is critical for successful reintegration into society.
Streamlined Administration: Core Pathway simplifies and automates many administrative processes, such as handling requests and complaints. By reducing the administrative burden on staff, the solution enables them to dedicate more time and attention to directly supporting justice-involved women, improving their overall experience and access to assistance.

A Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a complex journey, but with the right tools and holistic support, justice-involved women will have more opportunities to overcome challenges and build brighter futures. Core Pathway can help by focusing on empowerment and community reintegration. Through its empathetic and innovative approach, the platform also advances the broader vision of a more just, equitable, and supportive justice system for all.

Want to learn more about MHS’ Core Pathway Solution? Get in touch with a member of our team.

References

¹ Walmsley, R. (2023). World female imprisonment list (5th ed.). Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research.

² Birkbeck, University of London. (2022). New Birkbeck research shows the world female prison population has increased by 60% since 2000. Retrieved from Birkbeck, University of London.

³ United States. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2024). Survey of Prison Inmates, United States, 2016. Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor].

⁴ Hager, E., & Flagg, A. (2018). How Incarcerated Parents Are Losing Their Children Forever. The Marshall Project. Retrieved from The Marshall Project.

⁵ Penal Reform International & Thailand Institute of Justice. (2024). Global Prison Trends 2024. Retrieved from Penal Reform International.

⁶ McDougall, C., Pearson, D. A. S., Torgerson, D. J., & Garcia-Reyes, M. (2017). The effect of digital technology on prisoner behavior and reoffending: A natural stepped-wedge design. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 13(4), 455-482.

⁷ McDougall, C., & Pearson, D. A. S. (2020). Technology as a means of rehabilitation: A measurable impact on reducing crime. In Y. Jewkes, B. Goldsmith, & T. Bennett (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of International Cybercrime and Cyberdeviance (pp. 183-206). Springer.