Evaluation of a Life Skills Program for Women Inmates in Michigan

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Michigan Department of Corrections implemented an innovative Life Skills Program that focused on addressing the special needs of female inmates. The primary purpose was to enhance basic life skills such as employability, coping with stress, and parenting. Female inmates participated in the Life Skills Program prior to their release and continued during the months immediately following their release from prison. Using a quasi-experimental design, the pre-tests and post-tests of program participants were compared with a similar comparison group. Analyses included comparing test scores on specific program areas such as emotional empathy, self-esteem, coping resources, problem solving, parenting stress, employability, and well-being. Follow-up data on parole violations or new convictions were also compared. Overall, the Life Skills Program does address some of the special needs of female inmates. The authors' recommendations include necessary enhancements in program implementation and evaluation research on programs for female inmates.