Hidden Healers

Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW is an internationally recognized pioneer in the fields of addiction, trauma, and gender-responsive care. For three decades she has created and facilitated trauma-informed programs and curricula for use in criminal–legal settings across the United States and globally. Educated at Columbia University and the Union Institute, Dr. Covington is co-director of the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender & Justice in Del Mar, California.

• Acknowledgments xxiA Note From a Hidden Healer: It’s Time for Change xxiiiIntroduction 1Just the Facts 11Part One: Entering the System 23Introduction to the Criminal Legal System for Women in the United States 25Pathways to Prison: Understanding Trauma and Addiction 43First Days 51Part Two: Living Inside 61Culture and Environment  63Working Inside the Culture of Corrections 81Finding Your Program 83Food 97Mothering from Inside 107Grief and Loss 123Developing Relationships 129Medical and Mental Health Care 141Aging in Custody 153Celebrating Special Days 159Remembering Those Who Don’t Survive 168Part Three: The Journey Home 171Gate Fever 173The Work of Reentry 179Healing after Incarceration 187Part Four: What We Can Do 193Envisioning Alternatives 195Do One Small Thing 207Further Learning  213Organizations to Support 219Sources 227Author Biography 235Book Group Discussion Questions 237Also by the Author 239