Table of Contents | Previous | Next |
CHAPTER 8
LEGAL PROBLEMS
Legal problems were assessed by examining arrest and incarceration histories, and need for current legal assistance. Involvement with the child welfare system is reported in the section on family problems. Figure 8.A and 8.B presents findings on arrests. Over half (56%) of the substance abuse sample reported being arrested. Most arrests were for drug charges or minor crimes, but 22% of the sample was arrested for a violent crime.
 |
| [D] |
About one in three of the substance abuse sample had been arrested multiple times, with 11% reporting 5 or more prior arrests. A significantly smaller percent (14%) of women in the non-affected sample reported ever being arrested and only 2% reported multiple arrests. In addition, 8% of the substance abusers were on probation or parole at the time of study enrollment versus 1% of the non-affected sample.
 |
| [D] |
Figure 8.C presents findings on incarceration. About one in four women (25%) in the substance abuse sample has spent time in jail. A significantly smaller percent (5%) of women in the non-affected sample reported spending time in jail.
 |
| [D] |
Figure 8.D presents ratings of need for legal assistance. About one in five women (20%) in the substance abuse sample required some type of current legal assistance. Need for legal assistance was significantly lower in the non-affected sample with only 3% requiring services.
 |
| [D] |
| Table of Contents | Previous | Next |