Women In Recovery Cheaper, More Effective Alternative to Prison

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There's a push to change the way non-violent female offenders are punished, especially because Oklahoma leads the nation for the largest number of women serving time.

There's a new alternative sentencing program that is gaining popularity and support called Women in Recovery and supporters contend that that program is cheaper and more effective than traditional sentencing.

"I was born into addiction. I was born into poverty. I was born into abuse," said Kimberly Cummings.

Last year, Kimberly Cummings was charged with endeavoring to manufacture meth, but because she was a first-offender, she avoided a 10-year prison sentence and instead entered the Women in Recovery program, which offers treatment, social services and strict supervision.

"Prison is not the answer to people with non-violent crimes," Cummings said.

It was that message Cummings brought to a conference on alternative sentencing in Oklahoma City. Josyln Smith came with her and both served as panelists. Smith is also in the program.

"Because of this program, I have a whole new life. I have a job now. I have my own apartment," Smith said.

Oklahoma locks up about 134 women per 100,000 people. The national average is 69. Critics say that is expensive and often unnecessary.

For less money, we can provide comprehensive services and support services to help those women become healthier women," said Amy Santee with the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

The George Kaiser Family Foundation is sponsoring the Women In Recovery program and it's also supported by the Oklahoma County District Attorney.

"Incarcerating people and just throwing them in jail and throwing away the key. That is not the answer because sooner or later they will get out," said Oklahoma County DA David Prater. "If we don't address those issues before they go in and we don't address it while they're in prison, then when they get out, they're going to reoffend."

The program is only seven months old, and all the women who entered are still active. Organizers say another 25 women will be joining the program by June. On average it costs about $1,800 for each woman who enters the program compared to $22,000 per inmate.