After leaving prison, many women face big challenges. They struggle to do simple things like getting new ID or opening a bank account. It’s tough to figure it all out.
But now, researchers at the University of South Australia are working with Seeds of Affinity, a group that helps women after prison. They’re making a chatbot to give these women advice and support as they start over.
The chatbot will have tips and info from women who’ve been through the same things. It’s like having a friend who knows the ropes and can help you out.
Last year, the number of women in prison went up by 6%. That’s why projects like this are so important—to help women stay out of prison once they’re released.
Lack of support
The researchers point out that when women leave prison, they often don’t get the help they need. As a result, many end up back in jail within two years of getting out. It’s a cycle that needs to be broken.
“Women who have been to prison are among the most disadvantaged groups in society. Despite having completed their prison sentence, they’re rarely welcomed back into the community and for many, the only friendships they have are those made in prison,” they explain.
“Upon release, women are incredibly vulnerable to homelessness and rather than experiencing release as freedom, it’s a scramble for support, resources and survival. The rates of suicide, poor mental and physical health and drug overdose are much higher than the general population. These women are unlikely to seek help from a mental health provider and if they do, they’re placed on a waiting list as demand for services outweighs capacity in Australia.”
Smart support
The researchers are working on a new chatbot named LindaBot. It’s a smart program that talks to people like a human would. You’ve probably seen chatbots on websites helping out with questions. Well, LindaBot is a bit different. It’s being made with the help of women who’ve been in prison.
LindaBot will live on your phone, ready to help with all sorts of things that might seem easy but are actually pretty tricky.
The researchers are careful about how LindaBot gives information. They want to make sure it doesn’t confuse or annoy people. And it’s not just about facts; LindaBot will also offer emotional support.
“When finished, LindaBot will ask the user if they are currently experiencing a crisis or serious mental health concern and if they are, the chatbot provides contact details for 24-hour crisis response services,” they explain.
“The user is also asked if they need to speak to a ‘real person’ and if so, they’re invited to speak to someone at Seeds. Women are rarely asked how they are doing or offered emotional support, so with LindaBot, users are asked if they would like to receive daily check-in messages. They can also be sent something that other women from Seeds have found helpful in their journeys post-release, such as videos, sound files or links to music or other resources.”
Onto the market
They aim to release the final version by early 2025. Once LindaBot is up and running, they’ll start asking for donated phones for women leaving prison.
Seeds of Affinity just hired folks for paid jobs to help out with LindaBot. They’ll be helping with workshops, sorting through data, and working with the tech team.
“It costs more than $115,000 a year to imprison one woman, so ongoing funding and support to maintain LindaBot is a small investment with a significant return,” the researchers conclude.
“This project seeks to involve and empower a community of women with very little social power but so much knowledge and lived experience. LindaBot has the potential to be incredibly meaningful for a cohort that tends to be marginalized and socially excluded, and usually told what they will get rather than asked that they want or need.”
