May 6, 2026
A series from KJZZ exploring the barriers and risks incarcerated women face as they prepare to leave prison and start their lives over again.
When a woman is released from prison, the roadmap back is complicated. But to really start over, she needs a job. For women with a criminal record, that can be difficult.
KJZZ explores the barriers and risks incarcerated women face as they prepare to leave prison and start their lives over again.
Women are a small but growing segment of the state’s prison population, and their needs are distinct. Yet, many of the programs designed to prepare them for release were primarily tailored for men.There are efforts in Arizona aimed at giving incarcerated women a real second chance.
Last year, Arizona joined a national program aimed at reducing recidivism rates by 30% by 2030 through job training, education and other support. Still, the barriers for formerly incarcerated people are steep — from finding housing and work to staying sober and rebuilding relationships.
For two hours, students in a Phoenix college class — 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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Kathy Ritchie/KJZZA first of its kind collaborative is looking to provide learning opportunities for women who are incarcerated at Estrella Jail, Maricopa County’s only all-female jail. -
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
