Help women help themselves

S-CAP for Women is a program which helps incarcerated, non-violent female offenders access services they need as they make the transition back into normal life. The program helps these women by giving them access to mental health and substance abuse services, assistance finding jobs and housing, and managing their legal issues. It is an effective program; however, its funding will be discontinued as of July 1, 2012. The program has helped to keep women from returning to jail. For example, the estimated rate of recidivism for women in Cleveland County is between 60 to 70 percent. That rate is drastically reduced to 25 to 30 percent for women who participate in the S-CAP program. This saves money and makes room for hardened criminals in county and state facilities.  It is an effective program; however, its funding will be discontinued as of July 1, 2012. The program has helped to keep women from returning to jail. For example, the estimated rate of recidivism for women in Cleveland County is between 60 to 70 percent. That rate is drastically reduced to 25 to 30 percent for women who participate in the S-CAP program. This saves money and makes room for hardened criminals in county and state facilities.