Health service use and social vulnerability in a community-based sample of women on probation and parole, 2011–2013

BACKGROUND: Most women involved in the criminal justice system are not incarcerated, but rather on probation or parole. We examined the receipt of health services and social vulnerability among women on parole or probation in the past year. METHODS: In a community-based sample of 776 women who use crack cocaine or injection drugs, we compared those who had been on probation or parole in the past year with those who had no criminal justice involvement in the past year. RESULTS: Women recently on probation or people were no more likely have health insurance, or to receive most health services, than women not in the criminal justice system. In addition, we found social vulnerabilities that contribute to poor health to be significantly more prevalent among women on probation or parole. CONCLUSIONS: There is a missed opportunity to address health and social needs of women on probation or parole.