HD24 - Special Needs and Conditions of Incarcerated Women

  • Published: 1993
  • Author: Virginia State Crime Commission
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 422 (Regular Session, 1991)

Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 422 (HJR 422), sponsored by Delegate Marian Van Landingham and passed by the 1991 session of the Virginia General Assembly, requested the Virginia State Crime Commission to "study the conditions of incarcerated women in the state and local correctional facilities," specifically with regard to the "psychological, family, educational, treatment, vocational and reentry needs" of these women, and the programs that are made available to this segment of the incarcerated population in Virginia. (See Appendix A)

Established by Section 9-125 of the Code of Virginia, the Crime Commission's legislative mandate is "to study, report, and make recommendations on all areas of public safety and protection." Section 9-127 of the Code of Virginia provides that "the Commission shall have the duty and power to make such studies and gather information in order to accomplish its purpose, as set forth in section 9-125, and to formulate its recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly." Section 9-134 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Commission to "conduct private and public hearings, and to designate a member of the Commission to preside over such hearings."

In fulfilling this legislative mandate, consistent with the directives of HJR 422, the Crime Commission undertook a study of the special needs and conditions of women in Virginia's jails and prisons.