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 2006*, the Allegheny County Jail housed 4,629 women, a 500% increase in female prisoners since 1980.  This population is particularly needy.  A 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.  Three quarters 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. 

 

*2006 statistics are the latest available from the Allegheny County Jail.

National Statistics on Women in Prison

 

· From 1995 to 2005, the number of female prisoners nationwide increased by 57%. From 2004 to 2005, the number of women inmates rose by 2.6% and the number of male inmates rose by 1.9%.

· More than 70% of women inmates are incarcerated for non-violent drug, property or public order offenses.  About 64% of mothers in state prisons lived with their children before prison, compared to 44% of men.

· Female inmates are more likely to have histories of serious physical or sexual abuse.

· A 2004 study found that 73% of women in state prisons nationwide either had symptoms or a clinical diagnosis of mental illness and/or were receiving treatment from a mental health professional in the past year, compared to 55% of men.

 

Source: Women in Prison Fact Sheet, Women in Prison Project