# Idaho Women Stuck in Jails After Parole

> Idaho women denied parole programs face years in jail despite being eligible for release.
- Title: Idaho Women Stuck in Jails After Parole · Seattletimes
- Summary: Idaho women denied parole programs face years in jail despite being eligible for release. Idaho women who were granted parole but can’t access required…
- Keywords: idaho, parole, women, jail, grief counseling, substance use disorder, prison overcrowding, idaho parole commission, tentative parole date, state prison, news, local
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/news/prison-overcrowding-is-keeping-idaho-women-behind-bars-even-after-theyre-granted-parole
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: idaho, parole, women, jail, grief counseling, substance use disorder, prison overcrowding, idaho parole commission, tentative parole date, state prison, news, local
## Andrea Johnson's Parole Hope
Andrea Johnson, 46, was granted parole after 16 months in jail but faced a year-long delay to complete grief counseling for her daughter’s death.

> I was anxious, but I was hopeful. I was excited. Why wouldn’t they let me out?
## Tentative Parole Date
Idaho parole commissioners gave Johnson a tentative parole date of March 8, 2027, requiring her to complete grief counseling and substance use disorder classes.
## No Access to Programs
Johnson had no access to the required counseling and classes because state prisons were at 99% capacity, delaying her release.
## Self-Perpetuating Cycle
Idaho’s prison overcrowding creates a cycle where women can’t access programs, leading to longer incarceration and more delays for others.
## State Law Gap
State law requires the Department of Correction to ensure lack of access to programs isn’t the main reason for parole delays, but tracking is sparse.
## Cost of Delay
Each woman delayed by six months costs taxpayers up to $36,500 annually, with some spending over a year in jail.
## Parole Commission’s View
The commission says tentative parole dates incentivize good behavior and provide a clear pathway for success before release.

> It incentivizes good behavior, it sets expectations and provides a clear pathway for success.
## False Hope
Johnson described the delay as false hope, increasing her anxiety and reducing her desire to succeed.

> I feel discouraged and defeated. This is not conducive to recovery or a successful life.
## County Jails Lack Programs
Eighteen women in county jails without rehabilitation programs have parole hearings within six months, but lack access to mental health care.
## Programs for Women
Idaho’s prison programs for women are less effective due to trauma and mental health needs, but are costly to implement.
## New Prison Project
A new women’s prison south of Boise will provide 560 beds but won’t begin housing inmates until late 2027.
## Cost Comparison
Jailing women costs $80 per day versus $9 per day for parole, but delays add significant time and expense.
## Johnson’s Delayed Release
Johnson spent 156 days in jail after her parole hearing before being transferred to a prison where she could access counseling.
## Ongoing Struggle
As of September 24, Johnson did not know when she could restart her counseling or complete classes before her March 2027 release.
## Systemic Issue
Idaho’s high women’s incarceration rate leads to a cycle of delays where women can’t access programs, extending their sentences.
## What Happens Next
Johnson remains in jail without knowing when she can complete required counseling before her March 2027 release date.
## Key takeaway

Idaho women who were granted parole but can’t access required programs remain incarcerated longer, costing taxpayers up to $36,500 annually per woman.