ADVOCACY
Women in Prison
Though most individuals who are incarcerated will return to their communities, successful transitions are difficult. Data shows that many of the individuals who are released from confinement will recidivate and return to prison. The result of the high rates of recidivism can reduce public safety due to the new crimes being committed, increased costs, and poor long-term outcomes for individuals. The likelihood of successful transition can be improved with utilization of reentry programs and practices. Reentry programming, like Prison Pet Partnership, is designed to assist individuals transitioning back to our communities.
Research indicates one quarter of women released recidivise within six months, one third recidivise within one year, and two thirds recidivise five years post-release. PPP’s current data shows less than 3% of program participants have recidivised within three years of release in comparison to Washington State’s recidivism rate of 22.2%.
Often overlooked in the experiences of incarcerated women is a lived history of trauma, gender-based violence victimization, adverse mental health conditions, and systemic oppression - often worsened while incarcerated. Research and common experience show that women leave incarceration with fewer resources, greater stress, financial strain, and face greater challenges securing employment and housing.
Join PPP's Advocacy Committee!
The Prison Pet Partnership Advocacy Committee’s primary role is to provide insight into and advocate for programming to remove or reduce barriers for successful reentry.
PRIMARY ROLES
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To serve as strategic advisors identifying barriers for former program participants to reenter the community and developing solutions to address the barriers
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To advocate and lobby for legislation that aligns with PPP’s mission, vision, and commitment
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To build relationships to secure foundation and state funding
