The Need

Lydia’s Place, Inc.

710 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2100

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-391-1013

412-391-1082 (fax)

info@lydiasplace.org

 

In 2002 the Allegheny County Jail housed 4,677 women, a 500% increase in female prisoners since 1980.  This population is particularly needy.  A 1999 survey of female inmates by the Allegheny County Jail reported that, prior to their arrest:

· 35% were homeless or at risk for homelessness

· 78% reported prior physical or sexual abuse

· 64% were unemployed

· 67% had a history of substance abuse. 

 

Three quarters of women in the Allegheny County Jail are also mothers to minor children.  Most had custody of their children before their arrest, and the effects of this separation on kids are dramatic. 

 

The Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation estimated that on any given day, 7,000 children from throughout Allegheny County have an incarcerated parent.  75% of these children are under the age of 13 and all suffer greatly from this painful separation from their parent. Research has shown that children of incarcerated parents are more likely to:

· Show developmental delays and gaps and struggle in school

· Experience emotional distress and be referred for counseling

· Develop substance abuse disorders

· Commit multiple serious delinquent acts

· Be incarcerated themselves as adults. 

National Statistics

· Between 1986 and 1996, the number of women incarcerated in state facilities for drug offenses increased by 888%, compared to a rise of 129% for non-drug offenses.

· Nationally, over 1.5 million children have a parent in prison, and more than 8.3 million have a parent under correctional supervision.

· The number of women in prison has increased by 404% since 1985, almost double the rate of men.

 

Source: The Sentencing Project, Women in the Criminal Justice System Briefing Sheets