A peer-driven mentoring case management community reentry model: an application for jails and prisons

Fam Community Health. 2009 Oct-Dec;32(4):309-13. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0b013e3181b91f0d.

Abstract

Welcome Home Ministries (WHM) is a peer-driven reentry program for women reentering the community from jail and prison. One of the major contributing factors to a high recidivism rate is the presenting issue of co-occurring disorders stemming from early childhood abuse and trauma found in 85% of the women seeking the assistance of WHM. The peers within WHM, having experienced mental health issues, substance abuse, and incarceration themselves, identified and developed a specific reentry program for this population. This article presents the results of a yearlong study that addresses the following: (1) the issue of co-occurring disorders; (2) the impact of early childhood trauma and abuse on the rate of incarceration; (3) the outcomes for restoration and recovery; and (4) the desire of the women to give back to the community.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • California
  • Community-Institutional Relations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mentors
  • Middle Aged
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Peer Group
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data
  • Prisons / organization & administration
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Support*
  • Women's Health*
  • Young Adult