Some Days Are Harder Than Hard: Welfare Reform and Women With Drug Convictions in Pennsylvania


 

Publication Date: December 2003

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Amy Hirsch

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: Pennsylvania

Abstract:

This report consists of interviews of 26 women with drug convictions and of staff in the criminal justice system in the state of Pennsylvania. These women are banned from ever receiving cash assistance or food stamps, no matter what they do, because they have felony drug convictions. Federal law allows states to opt-out of the ban, but requires them to pass legislation in order to do so. At least 27 states have taken the option to support women in recovery. (Originally published in 1999.)