Imagine Life Behind Bars. . .

The anatomy of a prison cell. Absence of usual privileges. Going to prison is like going to an alien world. No refrigerator, kitchen, private bathroom.

Imagine Life Behind Bars. . .

She no longer has control over her space.

Women are often incarcerated far from home.

Fastest growing segment of the prison population.

Descriptive Analysis of the Female Prisoner The vast majority are poor. Most were unemployed prior to incarceration. Ethnic groups comprise the largest segment

of the prison population.

Most women prisoners are mothers.

Descriptive Analysis of the Female Prisoner contd

Female incarceration has increased by 138%. Success for women prisoners is rare. Female prisoners have low self-concepts. Most have morality issues, have been misused by men, and addicted to drugs from a young age.

Criminal History
Drug offenses account for more than half of the female population in state prisons.

One in three females are incarcerated for drug

abuse.

Violent offenses account for 20% of the female

prison population.

Murder account for one third of female

incarceration for violent crime.

Criminal History contd

Women in prison for homicide are twice as likely to have killed a husband or boy friend. Fraud accounts for about 10% of crimes committed by women in prison. Seventy-one percent of all state prisoners have been behind bars before.

Women and Substance Abuse

o Half of the women in prison said that the committed their crimes under the influence of drugs and alcohol. o More than half had used drugs in the month prior to their incarceration. o Two-fifths had used drugs daily.

Abuse From others

Women prisoners have significant histories of

physical and sexual abuse.

Eighty-two percent of the women in prison have been sexually abused. Most of them were abused before they were 18 years of age.

Women behind bars do not like or respect

themselves.

Abuse from others contd

Many of them have been alcoholics or drug addicts whose lives are out of control. Many of them are depressed and angry enough to kill themselves or someone else. Many of them are con artist and will say anything to get their way.

Ministry to Women in Prison

Women in prison need emotional security.

They need to know that someone cares for them.

Women in prison need personal care through regular
visitation.

Women prisoners who attend religious services regularly

have lower recidivism rates.

Minister to Women in Prison contd

Hebrews 13: 1 - 3, 16
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Learn to empathize.

Minister to the Common Needs

Transportation
Many inmates in prison are financially destitute and are a long way from home. Local churches should establish a Van Ministry and advertise a monthly run to prison. This ministry will help family and friends to stay connected.

Toiletries Ministry

Women prisoners are often short on

toiletries. Many church members are
horrified at the thought of going into

prisons, however, they can

participate in prison ministries by

making up personal hygiene kits for

female inmates

Volunteer Literacy Ministry

Fifty-eight percent of women inmates

are high school drop outs. There is a

pressing need for literacy tutors for high school drop outs and proctors for college level courses. This a

rewarding ministry that the church can embark upon.

Life Skills Training

Women inmates have a vital need for

survival skills, skills that we take for
granted are totally foreign to them.

Things like -how to budget, how to

interview for a job, how to balance a

check book, etc.

Music Ministry

Provide music on a regular basis Organize and direct prison

choirs and musical groups.

Teach music classes and give

music lessons.

Therapeutic

Artistic
Expresses love Allows the inmate to help someone in need.

Alcohol Anonymous Meetings

Most women in jail are addicted to drugs and alcohol as a result of being in vile family situations, such as, violence and incest. To be a member, one must have the desire to stop drinking.

Alcohol Anonymous Meetings

Only AA members can conduct AA

meetings.
AA members must follow the twelve step program.

Pen Pal Ministry

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Avoid asking, Why are you in prison? Dont write preachy letters. Be positive and honest in your writing.

Share Bible promises and funny stories.

Pen Pal Ministry contd

Be regular and dependable in your writing. Dont make promises that you cant keep. Dont give out your phone number and address.

Dont send money and gifts.

Pen Pal Ministry contd

Dont give your name, use a pen pal name.

Dont send in any items without approval

from prison officials. Dont use words that will give the inmate

the wrong impression.

Community Reintegration Ministries

Purpose: To assist women in regaining their lives, families and dignity.

To use testimonies, experiences and expertise to

encourage women to be survivors and not victims.

To share that we are living testimonies saved in the

fire, not from the fire.

To help women deal constructively with guilt,

shame, rejection, denial and separation anxiety.

Spiritual and Religious Ministries

Bible studies

Church services behind the walls.

Distribution of Inspirational materials. Christian videos

Ministries for Prisoners Children

Angel Tree program Support groups for mothers and children Girl Scouts beyond bars: Keeping mothers and daughters in touch. Parenting

Education for moms.

Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

Whether ministering in a jail or prison, obey all of the rules and regulations of the prison. Leave pocketbooks, wallets, briefcases, money and non-essentials in your car. Always carry your ID Be prepared to submit to a search at any time. Keep promises that you make to inmates.

Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

Always consult with the institutional Chaplain

or leader of your ministry group when you are in doubt.

Always be a Christian friend to inmates. Share your faith with inmates

Be dependable

Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

Be patient Be honest Be a good listener Dont carry items into the prison without approval from prison authorities. Be trustworthy when someone shares with you personal or confidential information.