Reducing Recidivism: Changed Choices as a Model of Community Programming for Incarcerated Women In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Abstract

As more and more women are swept up in the carceral net every year in the United States, little attention is devoted to the unique circumstances that these women face. Women’s pathways into the criminal justice system are unique, and often include similar histories of trauma, substance abuse, mental and physical health issues, low socioeconomic status, low levels of education, difficulties in finding and maintaining employment, challenging childcare responsibilities and more. As women reenter society after a period of incarceration, they are confronted with many difficulties in navigating community supervision requirements, finding and maintaining stable employment and housing, and reconnecting with family and children. In analyzing North Carolina’s state sentencing and legislation, the current state policies that impact the classification, sentencing, and community supervision and have increased the state female prison population and have hindered the reentry of justice involved people. By analyzing Mecklenburg County and the community of Charlotte, I determine that the impact that low social mobility and high rates of segregation negatively impact the reentry process for women returning from incarceration to Mecklenburg County. Using Changed Choices as a case study, I evaluate the Changed Choices programming which aims to support their client’s successful reentry, against the backdrop of so many women who in the absence of programming experience repeat engagement with the criminal justice system. Changed Choices is an organization that recognizes the unique difficulties of reentering Mecklenburg County and provides wraparound, holistic programming for women. Changed Choices’ success is evident in their low recidivism rate and is a model for faith-based community programs attempting to support justice involved women. Policy recommendations include increased funding and support of wraparound programming in North Carolina communities, like Changed Choices, and other state-level recommendations.