The following data reinforces why Reentry Sisters is vital to the success and survival of women returning home from prison. Since 1980, women’s incarceration has increased in Maine by 794 percent. Of all the New England states, Maine leaves more children behind per capita when we lock up mothers, as 72% of incarcerated Maine women are mothers. Additionally, 90% of Maine women enter the system as trauma survivors, and many are on psychotropic medication.
Upon release from prison, the numbers are abysmal. More than 700 people died on probation in Maine from 2013-2023, including many mothers. Formerly incarcerated people are 13 times more likely to be homeless, and women, especially women of color, are more likely to experience homelessness than their male counterparts.
