This project is a follow-up to the Commission’s recent work on the State’s parole policies.  The Commission agreed to undertake this project in response to a request from Senator Gloria Romero to specifically examine the impact of parole on women and their children.   The goal of the project is to examine specifically how the State’s parole policies impact the ability of women to successfully reintegrate into their communities and reunite with their children – and the social and fiscal consequences of those policies.

The problems and needs of incarcerated women and their children intersect both the criminal justice and health and human services systems.  In many of these cases there are the additional costs associated with incarcerated women, particularly to the foster care, juvenile justice and mental health systems.  Experts suggest that reforms could significantly reduce costs and improve the performance of these programs.

If you would like more information regarding this study, please contact the project manager, Nancy Lyons.  If you would like to be notified electronically of meetings and events associated with this study and be notified when the report is complete, please send a request to little.hoover@lhc.ca.gov.