The unique treatment needs of female substance abusers in correctional institutions: the obligation of the criminal justice system to provide parity of services.

State legislatures and the courts in the United States have not been diligent in guaranteeing female prisoners equal access to rehabilitative programmes when compared with men. Drug and alcohol abuse treatment programmes are fewer and are not tailored to the specific needs of women. This disparity is of particular concern in the light of the growing number of female addicts. The data reveals that a larger portion of women involved with the criminal justice system are substance abusers than are men. In addition, female substance abusers have unique needs which may call for more, rather than equal, resources than male addicts. They have greater medically-related problems, a greater mental health problem, lack of vocational skills and child rearing problems. An understanding of the clinical and social needs of female substance abusers will facilitate the implementation of appropriate programmes and clarify how best to fulfil the legal obligations of the criminal justice system.