RED LODGE TRANSITION SERVICES P O BOX 55157

RED LODGE TRANSITION SERVICES P. O. BOX 55157 Portland, OR 97238 503 -245 -4175 www. redlodgetransition. org

Racial Disparities- Lifetime Physical Assault of Women ØCaucasian…………. . 21. 3% Ø African American……. 26. 3% Ø Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan Native……………. 30. 7% ØMixed Race…………. . . 27%

DISPARITY OF FEMALE INCARCERATION In 2015, Native American girls incarcerated at Oak Creek Correctional Facility made up 18% of the fastest growing community correction population. The youngest individual is 13, the oldest is 17. Native American women at Coffee Creek make up 7 to 8% of the total Prison population. The total Native population for Oregon is 1. 8%

A Surge in Women Serving Time The United States makes up 5% of the world’s population, yet we are responsible for 25% of the world’s prison population FROM 1977 TO 2004, THE RATES AT WHICH WE INCARCARCERATED WOMEN WITHIN THE UNITED STATES INCREASED By 757%

GENDER AND JUSTICE WOMEN, DRUGS, AND SENTENCING From 1996 to 2006, drug offenses accounted for a 49% rise in the number of women incarcerated in state prisons, compared to 32% of the increase for men

BARRIERS TO RE-ENTRY & NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN IN PRISON

“GENDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES” • Female drug couriers can receive federal mandatory sentences ranging from 15 years to life, following their first felony conviction • Nearly 70% of women in prison were single parents prior to incarceration. Most would have been placed on probation, but federal sentencing guidelines prevent judges from doing so

Red Lodge Transition Services Model A HOLISITIC VIEW OF SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL UPON TRANSITION? Ø Access to Programs (inside of prison) Ø Children’s Support Network Ø Native American Parenting Program Ø Native American Transition Program Ø Relationship Counseling Ø Access to Ceremony (outside of prison) Ø Craft Box and Art Supplies (art therapy project) Ø Mentoring Program Ø Employers willing to give us a chance….

TOOLS CONTINUED…. Curriculum That is Culturally Appropriate ØAnger Management ØParenting ØRelationships ØHistorical Trauma Workshop ØSpirit of Depression ØSpirit of Alcohol ØDomestic Violence ØTrauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) Ø Art Therapy Class

NEEDS ASSESSMENT Red Lodge Transition Services surveyed 14 Native American women on the medium unit at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in 2007 using an informal survey tool, asking a total of 25 questions. The tabulated results were concerning, reinforcing the need for case management and follow up six months prior to, and upon release • 11 out of 14 women have children 2 women with children in foster care 2 women have lost permanent custody 7 women have children living with relatives • 7 women will parole from medium unit • 5 women don’t know where they will go

“Culture Will Heal us If we Allow it To” Ed Emdo Red Lodge Board Member • • Culture is Best Practice Understanding Historical Trauma Becoming Trauma Informed Identity Purpose Healing the Sacred Hoop Ceremony

Legislation • Senate Bill #371 15% reduction in sentence per year for good behavior • House Bill #3438 Directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to study services and support available upon reentry. Report Sept. 2018. Transition Housing and Treatment Programs are eligible for county waiver consideration • House Bill #3078 Family Sentencing Alternative Pilot Program • Senate Bill #969 addresses barriers such as license suspension and Alternative Incarceration programs

IMMEDIATE and LONG TERM NEEDS HOUSING Back Up Plan? v TRANSPORTATION Public vs. Private Drivers License v JOB Temporary vs. Permanent v COMMUNICATION Phone, e-mail, snail mail v Childcare arrangements v v v Basic utilities and furniture Health Services Appropriate ID Access to resources Access to ceremony Mentoring v MEDICATIONS v v v v 30 day supply FOOD Food Stamps Food Banks CLOTHING Daily vs. Employment FINES U/A, POLYGRAPH Parole/probation stipulation Victim restitution, court costs Parenting/mentoring assistance v Drug/alcohol treatment v Counseling/mental health

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO RE-ENTRY • • Re-entry begins upon incarceration Behavioral Health is necessary Housing is essential resource Emotional support needs to be established and maintained Employment barriers must be addressed Direct toward livable wage opporunties Substance abuse support Child reunification