Evidence-Based Professionals' Monthly - December 2025

☃️ Drifting Into Decembrrrrr: Your Monthly Update ❄️

Feature articles and other industry news

FEATURED

Addressing the High Rates of Mental Health Problems and Substance Abuse among Incarcerated Women

The female offender population in the United States has increased by more than 500% over the last five decades (Monazzam & Budd, 2023), and although smaller in total number than men, the incarceration rate for women has remained double that of men since the 1980s—an increase some attribute to the heightened criminalization of drug use. Research consistently shows that incarcerated women have distinct needs, including higher rates of mental health issues and a greater likelihood of substance abuse (Haesen et al., 2019; Lynch et al., 2012; Lynch et al., 2013), yet screening tools and treatment programs often fail to meet those needs, resulting in undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or poorly treated conditions (Wood, 2019). This policy brief examines the history of mental illness and substance abuse among incarcerated women, the gendered approaches traditionally used, opportunities for improved screening and integrated trauma-informed care, and how newer programs compare to existing models, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the needs of one of the country’s fastest-growing correctional populations; importantly, effective treatment is strongly linked to successful reentry and reduced recidivism (Fazel et al., 2016). 

Learn how agencies can sustain real change

MORE NEWS

• First Lady Moore Launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign Across Maryland Radio Stations During Holiday Season
• Breaking Barriers: A Call to Connect Reentrants with Employment Opportunities
• Comparing the Role of School Resource Officers: From National Research Findings to First-Hand Perspectives in Connecticut
• Williamson County launches program to help prevent youth entering juvenile justice system
• Emerging Issues in Cybercrimes Prosecution
• A Troubling Backslide on Youth Justice
• Breaking the Cycle of Absenteeism: Strategies for Prevention
• New Resources: Violent Crime Reduction Roadmap and CVIPI Literature
• 2026 healthcare trends: The growing role of addiction and recovery support
• New $6M center at CSU will expand state’s behavioral health workforce

GRANTS & FUNDING

• Check here for OJJDP Announcements of Funding Opportunities
  
• Follow this link for more information about Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants, the application process, and more!
  
  • Don't know how to apply? Check here for details!

BUILDING IN-HOUSE STAFF CAPACITY

Live In-Person Online

• December 10: EBP Day: Bi-Annual Planning Sessions - Learn More and Register
• January 13: Trauma Informed Care Management Excellence - Learn More and Register
• January 20: Substance Use Disorders, Alcohol & Other Drugs - Learn More and Register

Self-Paced Online On-demand

🔹Incoming & Less Tenured Practitioners - [VIEW DETAILS]

🔹Experienced Practitioners - [VIEW DETAILS]

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🔹Organizational Leadership Development - [VIEW DETAILS]

Editor: Amaka Obinna Nwoko

Email: [email protected]

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash