For the past 10 years we have followed the experiences of a cohort of formerly incarcerated Massachusetts women. In contrast to the diversity of their experiences in nearly every aspect of life, no...

Triple jeopardy: Women’s employment struggles postincarceration

A Phenomenological Analysis of Formerly Incarcerated Women’s Perceptions of Successful Reentry by Angela M. Martilik MA, Texas Woman’s University, 2004 BA, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology

A Phenomenological Analysis of Formerly Incarcerated Women's Perceptions of Successful Reentry

Using in-depth interviews with mothers incarcerated in a maximum-security prison, the current study explores incarcerated mothers’ own perceptions and expectations regarding reunification with thei...

“They Still Know I’m Their Momma”: Incarcerated Mothers’ Perceptions of Reunification and Resuming a Caregiver Role:

When attendance in after-care programs that may help ex-offenders successfully reenter society is not a mandated condition of prison release, getting individuals to voluntarily attend these program...

Current Inmate Expected Post-Release Needs and Perceived Barriers to Future Voluntary After-Care Program Attendance

African American, Postrelease, Opioid, Female Offenders’ Experiences in Job Interviews by Wanda Dunmore Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University June 2019 Abstract The increasing recidivism rate for African American female offenders is exacerbated by postrelease job candidates’ difficulties with interviewing for employment. The purpose of this hermeneutical, phenomenological study was to examine experiences from postrelease, African American, female, opioid offenders when interviewing with potential employers. Critical race Black feminist theory was used as the ontological lens for this research. Criterion sampling was used to recruit 12 female African American opioid female research participants. Data collection occurred via 12 semistructured, face-to-face interviewees. Thematic analysis was used to develop common emergent themes from the lived experiences of postrelease, African American, female, opioid offenders. Results showed that postrelease, African American, female offenders experienced emotional responses such as stress, nervousness, and anxiety during the interview process. In addition, they feared rejection when informing potential employers about their criminal background. The findings are significant in developing training programs for transition, human service, and criminal justice agencies that can increase the chances of postoffender, African American, female, opioid drug offender employment and decrease recidivism.The increasing recidivism rate for African American female offenders is exacerbated by postrelease job candidates’ difficulties with interviewing for employment. The purpose of this hermeneutical, phenomenological study was to examine experiences from postrelease, African American, female, opioid offenders when interviewing with potential employers. Critical race Black feminist theory was used as the ontological lens for this research. Criterion sampling was used to recruit 12 female African American opioid female research participants. Data collection occurred via 12 semistructured, face-to-face interviewees. Thematic analysis was used to develop common emergent themes from the lived experiences of postrelease, African American, female, opioid offenders. Results showed that postrelease, African American, female offenders experienced emotional responses such as stress, nervousness, and anxiety during the interview process. In addition, they feared rejection when informing potential employers about their criminal background. The findings are significant in developing training programs for transition, human service, and criminal justice agencies that can increase the chances of postoffender, African American, female, opioid drug offender employment and decrease recidivism. African American, Postrelease, Opioid, Female Offenders’ Experiences in Job Interviews by Wanda Dunmore Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University June 2019

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African American, Postrelease, Opioid, Female Offenders' Experiences in Job Interviews

Extant research on reentry programming has focused primarily on male inmates, with less attention paid to female inmates. The current study examines the relationship between demographic, social, and criminal history variables and participation in one of three prison release mechanisms: (a) direct release to parole, (b) reentry programming, and (c) halfway house. The women in these three groups differ in important ways that are likely to impact programmatic efforts and reentry outcomes. Study implications, constraints, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Lindsey Ellen Vigesaa

Papers

Who participates in reentry programming? An examination of women offenders in a midwestern state