May 6, 2026
An occasional series from KJZZ exploring the barriers and risks incarcerated women face as they prepare to leave prison and start their lives over again.
Arizona ranks ninth in the U.S. for number of incarcerated women. Most are moms, and many have histories of drug addiction, mental illness and physical or sexual abuse. And when it's time to come home — and many will — the work to repair those bonds can feel impossible without support.
For two hours, students from GCU — many studying criminal justice — will try to navigate life after prison. It’s a simulation, but it doesn’t take long to feel real.
More stories about incarcerated women
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Jimmy Jenkins/KJZZEarlier this year, researchers from ASU released a report about incarcerated women at Estrella Jail — a women’s-only facility in Maricopa County. Now those same researchers released a new report about the women at Perryville Prison in Goodyear. -
Julie Levin/KJZZA recently-published new survey is doing something similar to the Netflix show "Orange Is The New Black" with real-life prisoners here in the Valley. -
Daren Strunk/St. Joseph the Worker/Daren Strunk, St. Joseph the WorkerA Phoenix nonprofit is opening a new home for women who are re-entering society after being in prison. It’s called MOM’s House, and it will officially open next month following a $100,000 renovation. -
Kirsten Dorman/KJZZArizona has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. And according to advocates, roughly 70% of the state’s eligible workforce faces barriers to employment because of a criminal record. To help close that gap, an Arizona nonprofit and a trade school have teamed to launch a welding program for women recently released from Perryville prison.
More stories about Arizona prisons
