[Amanda Noblet, 2008, pg 27] Conclusion

The criminal justice system is clearly unprepared and ill equipped to manage the unique needs of women in prison. There is clearly a need for a specific focus on Mental illness, sexual violence and drug abuse, reproductive health and other issues that are very relevant to the incarcerated female population. Clearly our female correctional facilities are under resourced and over crowded and overcrowded prisons are not ideal for reformation but instead create more problems. Since majority of women prisoners are incarcerated for minor drug related offenses and property crimes, a more liberal and effective reformative approach should be pursued. Community based alternative sentencing programs should be implemented in full swing as they have proven to be reformative and cost effective. Women are the center of the family structure and incarceration and isolation not only affects them but the entire family.

There is no question of doubt that incarceration is a failed, inhuman and ineffective approach to the social problems faced by women. Instead policymakers should focus on alternative correctional programs that allow women to reform their behaviors and become productive citizens while still staying connected to their family members.

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