"Project Enough": A Multi-Modal Transitional Housing Embedded Intervention for Corrections-Involved Women

Background and Purpose: Policy makers, states, and communities have become increasingly interested in how to promote successful reentry and prevent future correctional-involvement of men and women alike. Unfortunately, rigorous research is lacking in this area, particularly around reentry strategies and programs for women. To address some of the distinctive aspects and pathways for women involved in the criminal justice system, Project Enough was developed. Using an evidence-based, trauma-informed framework, Project Enough provides support and recovery services for women on probation and parole around issues related to unemployment, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. The program was embedded within a transitional housing program to provide safe and secure housing: a major challenge for many reentering the community after prison. The current pilot study examines the potential promise for Project Enough.

Methods: To be eligible for the program, women needed to be residing in the identified transitional housing program. Potential participants were referred to the research team after the participants had attended at least two intervention sessions at one of four local support service organizations. Those who gave consent were enrolled in the study (N=50) and completed a baseline assessment. Approximately six months after baseline, the participants completed a follow-up assessment. Descriptive statistics were calculated at baseline. Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of Project Enough on key constructs. 

Results: Program participants experienced marked improvements in education, employment, re-arrest rates and other key areas. Eight percent of the sample furthered their educational credentials. About 25% of the sample found a full time job, and the number of unemployed women decreased from 36% to 19%. The average income of participants more than doubled to almost $900 per month. On average, domestic violence, drug use, commission of a new crime, depression, and trauma symptoms were each significantly lower at the follow up interview than at baseline. Of the women for whom information was available at follow up, 79% had sufficient stability in their lives such that they were (1) not in jail, (2) residing in the area (in compliance with their probation or parole requirements), and (3) able to participate in an interview.

Conclusions and Implications: The results from this pilot study demonstrate that a multi-modal, transitional housing program that targets the needs of women on probation and parole can be effective in improving women’s chances of community success. Future work should continue to evaluate efforts aimed at decreasing women offenders’ recidivism, explore what services work for whom, and examine barriers and successes in implementing successful programs.