Pre- and post-release care programmes for drug addicted women in European prisons

Introduction. The psychological and social situation of incarcerated drug addicted women is described, as is the offer of pre- and post-release programmes. A literature review of this kind of programme evaluation studies indicates they are an important and necessary part of penitentiary system. Methods. The article presents data from the study "Female Drug Users in European Prisons - best practice for relapse prevention and reintegration" (PI: Heike Zurhold, Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University of Hamburg, project no: JAI/2003/AGIS/191) conducted in five European countries - Austria, Spain, Germany, Poland and Great Britain (Scotland). Results. Female drug users need to overcome many social and psychological obstacles on leaving prison. They often suffer from many emotional, health, social and financial problems. The creation of pre- and post-release programmes that provide support and take into consideration the specific needs and deficits of that group is an important task of penitentiary institutions and non-governmental organisations cooperating with them. It seems that effective cooperation between different institutions and organisations is a key element helping to bridge prison life and life outside prison and accessing those individuals with an offer most tailored to their specific needs.