Tour of SICI: Is the Idaho prison system helping female inmates re-enter society?

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) Both Idaho and Oklahoma incarcerate women at a higher rate than any other state in the country. In 2020 Idaho imprisoned more than 100 women per 100,000. That's more than double the national average.

Both Idaho and Oklahoma incarcerate women at a higher rate than any other state in the country.

In 2020 Idaho imprisoned more than 100 women per 100,000. That's more than double the national average.

I took a tour of the Pre-Release Center at the South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI) to see how they're helping female residents transition back into society.

SICI houses 300 men and 400 women residents.

I interviewed four residents and talked to them about prison conditions, re-entry programs, and what gives them hope to continue on.

One resident, Erica Contreras has been incarcerated four times. She's been in and out of prison since 2004 and in SICI for almost two years.

"I didn't really have good support getting out and then coming back in each of those times I just got scared I started using drugs almost immediately to cope with the anxiety of having to meet all of those expectations," Contreras said.

She says many women struggle once they get out of prison, and don't have the resources or support they need when entering back into society.

"I would like to see a class for people like us that have a history, to know our rights when we are released back into the community because a lot of us don't have the confidence that most people would normally have in renting a home or an apartment or getting jobs," Contreras said.

At the Pre-Release Center, Warden Noel Barlow-Hust says most inmates can get a job inside or outside the facility as well as access to mentorship and recovery programs.

"We've also partnered with Peer Wellness and they are providing recovery coach training so that we can utilize those resources within our facility and that's where a lot more peer-led activities will take place," said Warden Barlow-Hust.

Despite this, residents and staff say more can be done.

"What access to technology do you have here?" I asked one resident.

"Well I think it's minimal right now, I think that they are trying to work towards that solution so we can have better educational classes," said Michelle Descharme, a SICI resident.

"What do you think this facility can improve on ?" I asked the warden.

"I would really like to get into a place where we could really identify people's individualized needs," said Warden Barlow-Hust.

That's where Travis Richey comes in. A former inmate turned motivational speaker and CEO, Travis has worked with the women in SICI closely.

"I want to make sure that when I go behind prison walls, our team really engages in the curriculum that we are changing the focus of where these folks are going. You are no longer a felon, you are no longer stigmatized, you are no longer a victim," Richey said.

He wants to help remove prior stresses before the inmate gets out of prison.

"In 30 days, quite literally when you hit the gate you need to obtain employment because you are only going to get paid twice in that 30 days, rent is going to be due, you have to figure out how to get a drivers license, you're going to need to get your social security card so you have all these hurdles and you have 30 days to hit go," Richey said.

He says although IDOC lets people get their identification cards before they leave, more needs to be done.

"Why isn't there an individual that is walking these people through saying 'Look we are going to get you into school, we are going to get you in the job, we are going to get you your identification documents and we are going to get you into your housing, all before you leave the gate,'" Richey said.

Despite what can be improved, he is impressed with the audio-video program at SICI and the institutional television show coming this summer.

"It gives a much broader understanding of what the audio-video program should be and could be to these folks and to be able to leave and say 'I've built a Youtube channel, I've developed a podcast, I know what Spotify is,'" Richey said.

Richey even has residents at SICI helping him with his events.

"Our audiovisual department is doing his promotions and advertisements," said Dawn Orr, a SICI resident.

Orr says working with Richey gives her hope for her future.

"I've lost pretty much everyone in my former life and Travis reminded me that there are people that do care," Orr said.

By working with Richey and Warden Barlow-Hust, they are trying to change the culture at SICI.

"I am a resident. I am not an inmate and we are just trying to change that label and the culture around here," said Jennifer Miller, a SICI resident.

"I think we are being allowed to bridge the gap from being incarcerated to going out into the community and having those resources," Descharme said.

Travis and his business partner are hosting a conference called the 'Convicted Conference' at Ten Mile Christian Church.

The event is focused on providing healing and hope to Idaho's justice-affected families.

For more information on the event click HERE.

RELATED: Former inmate helps incarcerated Idahoans reenter society

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