Article Reflection and Research

Article Reflection:
Due to my research below on Illinois newer mom and baby program, I chose to read "Babies are Pampered in Prison." I find this to be such a great opportunity for women who want to work on their lives, parent their own child, and start back up within society on a new path. Although it does seem expensive, I think this is one program that does and will work compared to many other programs out there that have higher incarceration return rates. It inspires me to want to do more with women and children within the prison setting!!

Research:
When looking for some examples of different ways that states and/or countries help the connection between children on the "outside" and parents whom are in prison, I came across several different programs, support efforts, and acts that sparked my attention within our own government system in the U.S. that seemed to provide some action.  Below I have listed and summarized a variety of courses:

Parents in Prison- A family-support program that began in the Tennessee State Prison in response to inmate's concern regarding neglect and child abuse relevant to men who are in prison. This service is provided by an inmate committee that is overlooked and guided by a community advisory board and an institutional sponsor. The program consists of: classroom/correspondence courses, monthly events, guest speakers, and family infused social activities. All of these "lessons" are to address problems/issues that surface when a father is in prison as well as how to help when he is released in order to keep and/or improve his relationship with his child(ren). A very positive and uplifting family-support program that seems to have a good course outline that really demonstrates how important it is for fathers to communicate, build, give-back, get ahead for when they are released. (Info from sciencdirect.com)

Moms and Babies- A program implemented in Illinois in 2007, after a seven year long process, that provides support for mothers and babies in which after the mothers have their child, within prison walls, they are allowed 6 weeks without a work assignment (a prison maternity leave) and then they set into a scheduled routine that helps with caring for the child, themselves, as well as prepares them for release. They are housed within the "Mom and Babies Unit" where they are able to stay with their child, the baby is cared for, and it is a positive environment for a child to begin their life (of course as best they can with a mother in prison). This is an amazing program that has been created not only because of the great family-support, learning services, and guidance for the mothers, but the women whom have gone through this process have not returned to corrections! The Decatur Correctional Center, who has implemented this program within their facility, is medium-security prison holding about 500 inmates and from the 25 that have graduated from this program ZERO have returned. If this could spark more facilities to participate with mother-baby programs, this could truly enhance a women's desire to seek education, career, and to maintain a positive lifestyle for not only her child, but for herself too! (Info from pantagraph.com)

Second Chance Act- In 2008 the act passed authorizing a yearly allowance, on state and local levels, to implement programs that help with society reentry services. I had no idea that this even existed; I would be interested in seeing statics for which programs/services worked and what the return rates were back into incarceration because it is not just the money that has to work, the programs have to be helpful as well (a team effort!). However, it seems as though it is a start and for the fiscal year of 2011 the proposal is as follows:
On July 22, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2011 that allocates $50 million for Second Chance Act programs. The bill, which contains $29.9 billion in total budget authority, provides $3.7 billion for state and local law enforcement programs and also includes:

• $11 million for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act
• $520 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants
• $214 million for Byrne Discretionary Grants
• $40 million for Byrne Competitive Grants
• $586 million for Community Oriented Policing Service Grants
• $45 million for drug courts
• $20 million for residential substance abuse treatment for state prisoners
• $300 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
• $468 million for the Office on Violence Against Women
• $490 million for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention
• $468 million to prevent violence against women
• $400 million to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children under the Adam Walsh Act
• $841 million for the Crime Victims Fund

(Info from reentrypolicy.org)

Chapter 7 Analysis and Reflection

Ahhh, I completely forgot to blog about Chapter 7 ("From 'Giving Care' to "Taking Care': Negotiating Care Work at Welfare's End) and I am so very sorry for possibly delaying anyone's comments for their participation grade!

Anyways, when reading this chapter I had so many different thoughts running through my head: welfare is bad, welfare is good, because of stereotypes welfare gets a bad rap, people need to have jobs, welfare is getting out of control, there needs to be other programs implemented so welfare is not clung to by so many, and the list could go on. I just did not/probably still do not know what my true opinion was because there is so much information within what Hamingtion and Miller discuss (policy's, interviews, stereotypes, etc...) in addition to our class, and another class that I am currently taking (Work and Family Institutions). But to play devils advocate, below I have reflected on both positives and negatives of the reading, opinions, and other information that I have been educated on.

My first thoughts: I honestly thought that what the chapter was discussing was a bunch of crap (for the lack of a better word) and was being very unrealistic in some cases. Now, I know that sounds extremely harsh, but at times the book would state that women need to be able to have care-giving roles without stressing or struggling with providing for their family -however- as I have learned through my current classes and other readings that women are fighting for a spot in the workforce (fight for equal pay, benefits, career positions, etc...) But without a job or means to provide, how do single mothers or even coupled mothers expect to support their children; I hope not solely off government assistance. I mean I could be way wrong here in my opinion and there could be many more variables within each of these statements, but I just kept thinking while I was reading how confused I was about what women were fighting for? I guess at the end I ultimately feel like women want the best of both worlds and I understand that, who doesn't want that, but where is the compromise? No one can have everything! ---This sounds extremely bad/wrong/harsh/evil and I am just voicing my confusion, but in a perfect world what do these (as in welfare women, career women, homemakers, second shift mothers, etc...)women want?

So, after all of my  negative thoughts and opinions, I took a moment and reflected on the concerns that need to be addressed regarding mothers, welfare, and the workforce.

Second thoughts: I understand that there are many women and mothers whom want to work, have a career, and support their children, but it should not solely be about financials. Mothers should be able to support their children by care-giving as well. This is where welfare and other programs need to refine their policies in order to meet the needs of mothers today, not the mothers of the 1990's or even before. Things have changed and women want jobs, want to be involved, want to support their children, but without some extra help from childcare facilities, schools, neighborhoods, and their personal jobs it makes the struggle of providing even more of a struggle. Not to mention that communities of low-income or oppression have additional concerns regarding safety, current/good education, active child programs, as well as other things that are taken into consideration with analyzing any neighborhood or community. Overall, I would love to see communities straighten up, jobs promote mothers (giving equal pay, maternity paid leave, flex hours if the child is younger, etc..), have affordable childcare facilities, incorporate active learning and exercise for children, etc... All of these suggestions I believe would help the battle that mothers have between their jobs and their children.

Ugh so many things need to be improved! People need to want this, want to help, want to participate, want to have a voice, and see a change. Without this there won't ever be change that truly helps those in need.

American Electra Reading.

Hello all!
Earlier this morning I wrote a post and when I went to go post it, somehow all of my writing got deleted so, I apologize if this one is not as reflective (a.k.a. sloppy)- I promise I will have more input during our discussion!

When reading the "American Electra" reading by Susan Faludi I had so many emotions! I did not know if I agreed with the "new young" feminist generation or if I believed that the "older" generation still had their point to make. But I think that Latifa Lyles made and excellent point when she stated, "There is

great strength and power in our image not as the first, second, or third wave, but the wave of the future.” This statement of hers put things in perspective for me. I believe she is saying that it is not about the young, old, or any age or generation in-between; it is about the feminist ideals as a cause. They need to fight together to have a solid future! :)

After taking Lyles statement into account, it really opened things up for me. I do not necessarily believe that people (within the feminist position) need to take sides regarding the feminist ideals, but rather be more understanding. The older generation needs to realize that there is a newer generation that have been raised different: with different ideals, morals, innovative thoughts/opinions, etc... While the younger generation needs to realize that the older generation was raise differently and as their stand point may seem outdated, that is how and what they believe in due to experience, generational norms, as well as other aspects of life that contributed to their feminist position. The generational gap will continue to grow and people of all ages need to be able to accept and/or listen to those whom can bring new ideas into their group.

Recently, I have actually had an experience regarding a generational gap; although, it was not about feminist positions or theories, it was about the familial structure. Earlier this week I went to my grandmother's house to interview her for a class assignment. As we were discussing my classes and what not, she asked me what I was going to do after I graduated in May.I told her of my plans of moving to Chicago, moving in with my boyfriend, hopefully finding a good job/internship, and later applying for grad-school. But to my surprise she responded with a, "So, you are getting married this summer?" I kind of laughed and said, "No grandma, we are going to try the moving in thing first. We know that we will eventually get married, but just not right now." She looked at me with a blank stare and commented with a smirk on her face saying, "Okay, I guess I just don't understand you kids anymore." As I really wanted to tell her off ( I mean politely explain to her...) that things were different these days and that many many people live together with out getting married first; in fact most seem to do that to test out the waters a bit before they take the plunge into marriage. But I had to reassess and realize that my grandparents did not grow up that way. They lived apart until they got married, just like many others did in their times, so, it is difficult for her to understand that things like maybe different now.

So, as I now know how frustrating this was within my own life, I can completely understand how hard it is for two different generations to agree/come together for a common cause when there are two separate generational ideals floating around. However, it seems as if there is additional problems affecting the feminist cause; the media. Flaudi stated that, "...the media are, indeed, glad to apply a bellows to any argument between women; they have been pumping up the young-old female conflict for years now." The media hypes up any account or fight between two women when they can in order to add drama and question to our social norms. Which in turn produces tension and firm opinions then creating a division amongst a group rather than unity. But why would the media do this? I do not understand...

As there are many more points that Flaudi states within her article, but I found that the generational gap was the most interesting due to my own current experience. I hope we are able to discuss this article more in depth because it brings up alot of thoughts, opinions, as well as different ideals of those who are amongst the feminist group as well as just contributing as an outsider.

Can wait to see what the Walk for the Cure is like tomorrow!

Diveristy Dialog...

Hello Ladies!

I was unable to make it to the diversity dialog last Friday because I had family plans that involved leaving town for the weekend. So, I obviously cannot blog about the experience that I had with Linda at the diversity dialog circle, but it sounds like it was amazing! As I read your blogs I became upset that I could not make it and now  I am going to try and catch one so I can gain the experience you guys had last week :) Sorry I do not have much to say this week for the blog, but I really enjoyed reading all of yours! Please let me know what your favorite part of the circle was so I know what I can look forward to.
Thanks and again sorry I do not have anything to reflect on this week...

Future Aspirations

When thinking about the blog questions for today, I sat and day dreamed alot about what, who, and where I want to be in my future- they were big dreams! However, it is incredibly important for me to achieve what I desire in life because I have seen what my mother has done and she loves her family, career, and is able to live the life she wants comfortably; a goal that I think alot of individuals strive for. But, I believe without a sense of desiring more from oneself or from life in general brings about a lull in an individuals aspirations and even daily schedule. Something I never want to face because I want to be secure and loving the decisions I make as a growing adult.


Where do I see myself in 10 years?
That is a good question. Even though I day dreamed about "what I want to be when I grow up," I came across alot of career paths including: working for the government/state/city as a criminal therapist, working as a family therapist, working as a lawyer, working in a rehab clinic, working at a non-profit organization, or even working in management at a large company... I still feel like my possibilities are endless and I do not want to put a cap on one career choice just yet. But as of right now, I would love to either work as a therapist (criminal or familial) or as a lawyer. Though, whatever career path I follow I will be living in Chicago or a surrounding suburb, depending on how many children I have (hopefully two :), but maybe just one at that point). Overall, it is important for me to have solid career and familial life so see at that point that I will have a great start - at 31.


How will GWSS help?
I think GWSS will be helping alot more than I initially thought. I am getting some great experience in different fields as well as gaining different knowledge about many many career paths and becoming far more creative and "real world" savvy. But I think the most help I am getting is our practicum experience. It is a great resume booster, good experience, and offers alot of different ideas as far as how I want to help people/society as I grow older, and ultimately it allows me to grow in to myself as a person in real life rather than in just a classroom setting....Exciting to think about!


What things do I need to learn/do to achieve my goals?
Oh god I need to do so much to achieve my goals in life!.. the list could probably go on forever, but here are just the ones that I know I have to learn/do in order to get what I want in life.
*First and foremost, graduate from Iowa
*Find a job which will include: applications, networking, training, etc..
*Apply for gradschool/get in gradschool/graduate
*Find my inner-self!
*Have a supprtative family (as far as a husband and kids)
*Volunteer to gain experience
*Study up on different careers to gain knowledge on new concepts/ideas
*Participate in seminars or tours of "helping" facilities to find out what I enjoy  the most as far as atmospheres
*Be apart of the community
*Always stay involved
*Re-evaluate as I grow older regarding what is best (career, family, and life)
*Stay focused!
All of these things (and I am sure I could think of more later) will help me as well as improve my life goals

Theories, Justice, Experiences

Quick Reflection:
Before I get into the serious part of the blog, regarding the readings and questions asked for this week, I wanted to touch base about last weeks trip to ICIW. It was so great to have that experience, I do not think words can truly describe it! It was so new, exciting, and such a learning process for me that it almost felt surreal. I am so thankful that Rachel is taking this chance with us :) Can't wait to go back for orientation on October, 8th as well as start my volunteering process there.

How does your experience with Women Studies theories inform your ideas about justice?
Honestly, I have not taken a women studies course that focuses on theory work; it has mostly been just a one lecture overview that is just skimmed to give background information regarding the topic of study- nothing in depth. Although after reading chapter eight of Socializing Care, I feel as though I have a pretty good understanding as far as what the major ideas are. And I would have to state that the Restorative Justice concept is great! There needs to be more in depth steps to help our society with the aftermath of crime. I think the book did a great job of explaining how the process of RJ can work as well as how it can effect those positively; community participation, needs of the victim, accountability of the offender,and  restoring victims, offenders, and communities are all ways to help society as a whole! RJ also is a great bridge to pushing care work/ ethics of care into the spotlight- even though it may take more than the fancy name of RJ to do that for our society :(

As I did agree with alot of the statements that the book covered regarding RJ and the process in which it works, it was rather disappointing to read why in some cases it does not work; because our judicial system is still ran and over seen by male figures who do not feel the need to look into RJ. It was good to see why it does not work to its full potential (again, in some cases) and how everything stems back to "separate spheres," but I have to say that is tarnishes my view on justice a bit. I feel as though alot of it is just old school ways of dealing with crime in which it all a political battle- why can't there be something done for the people themselves!? I could ramble on about this question forever because I feel so torn. Something needs to be done so our society can better itself -BUT- on the other hand I feel as though our society is way to selfish to change their ways and justice will continue to be corrupted and unresolving for many.

I guess to answer the above question in a simple sentence I would state that: after having experienced/learning the theories within women studies, justice seems very unnerving, unresolving, and controlled by traditional means in which nothing changes as our society changes. Something that needs to be re-looked at if people truly want "peace."

What is justice?
After reading the chapter and the article off ICON, experiencing/ hearing stories about prison life, and attending our discussions, I cannot say I really know what justice is anymore. Is it justice to be punished for a crime by going to prison or is it justice for those who have done wrong to accept what they did and create a better life for themselves and society? Is it justice that people go to prison for being associated with a crime they did not commit? Is it justice for individual to be locked up time and time again for crime- without any social or mental guidance? I just feel like every situation is different and each and every individual is going to have a different idea of what justice is for them (as a victim or even outside individual). I mean on one hand I think that there is justice when an individual is sent to prison for committing murder -BUT- what if that person is mentally ill? If they were I would then think that justice, for that murder, would be that the mentally ill would attend a mental institution- they need to understand what they did/what happened. See its all different that is why RJ is so important for our society to adopt- caring and helping is so much more important than solely punishing because many can not learn in that way.

These are hard questions Rachel!
See everyone at discussion on Friday :)

Pre-Prison Wonders

There were alot of thoughts and even more so questions that came to mind when reading the material for this blog because I truly do not know what to expect, how I will act, or if I am even going to enjoy my time there...Until then I feel that reading as much material as I can and writing about my thoughts, fears, and questions will help any anxiety or anxiousness I have for Friday.

What are Prisons for?
To me this is a hard questions to ask even though it seems simple; prisons are to contain and help those who have wronged within society. However, have some really wronged society... For example, if a woman is beaten day in and day out or is raped by her mom's boyfriend  (much like in the situation that I read about in one of the extra online readings) is it really a "crime" if she fights back and ends up killing her assaulter? To me that is not a woman that needs to be incarcerated. Then what are these prisons for? To hold those who have done a "crime" when they were temp. insane- then I would conclude that a woman who is suffering from a concerning mental state, should be helped in a mental institution, not a prison.... that question has so many additional questions that goes along with it!

Why are we going to ICIW?
I cannot speak for anyone else in the class, but my goal is to help those who are detained in ICIW- give them hope that when they are out (if they are not lifers) they have a chance for a successful life within society if they can make the right choices. I want to dedicate my time to help those who truly need someone to talk to, someone to lean on, someone to guide them in the right direction.This can impact both us and the women we encounter by gaining knowledge about other experiences, people, lifestyles, etc...Everyone will leave this experience (prisoner or student) with a new view of life- one of which will help with future decisions in situations of all kinds. I do ultimately hope that I am able to touch at least one person enough to impact them in a positivity light so they are able to do "good" when they leave ICIW. In return this is also a good learning experience for me because I am still wondering if this is something that I want to participate in as my career in life or something that I volunteer for.

What do I expect?
I feel as though I cannot answer this question because I have no idea. I have never been to a prison, jail, or even in that kind of environment where guards, police, and detainees are present. Although, I do hope to walk in and be amazed by the environment in a way where there is so much to learn. I also hope to become friendly with inmates and gain their trust so I am able to interact with them on a natural level. I do not want to be scared, I want to be confident in what I am there doing, and I want to enjoy my time there!

Can't wait for Friday!