Butler, of the District’s Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, oversees the supervisors for the program’s female offenders. The agency recently reorganized to have all supervisors report to one field office and for it to provide services specifically for women. The agency will host a forum for female offenders at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Temple of Praise in Southeast Washington. Why the reorganization?
Research has been leading us that way. It’s showing that the needs of the female offenders weren’t being met through traditional counseling and treatment. We’ve done a paradigm shift. We’re still in the embryonic stage, but we’re excited.
How are the needs for women different from men?
Many women become involved [in criminal activity] because they were sexually abused. That’s one example. Women have higher rates of mental health issues. Women have higher rates of substance abuse issues. Seven out of 10 women have children.
How many women are in CSOSA?
Twelve hundred. It is a lot. We have three supervisor teams, two for the 800 females offenders that have mental health issues.
What role does mental health play in keeping ex-offenders from re-offending?
It plays a major part. A lot of times the woman will self-medicate through illicit drugs. That leads to other problems. We send women with health issues to a case manager and psychiatrist, and we make sure they adhere to their treatment.
How do women get over the stigma of being an ex-convict?
We grow up being taught to be nurturing and caring people, being connected to family. The stigma of being an ex-offender produces shame and guilt, which is a barrier in the growth process.
How do you get people to change?
We have to realize that what has happened has happened. … That was the person that we were, but that’s not the person that we are today.
It’s an old cliche, but it’s true: One day at a time. Through the help of God, you can make it.
Scott McCabe
