Prison Reform

Prison Reform/Quaker History/Fry, Elizabeth/Women in prison/Scripps Howard News Service/Washington/DC/USA/25-Dec-05//… Other than the queen herself, the only woman pictured on Britain's currency is Elizabeth Fry, a Quaker lady who is acknowledged worldwide as the inspiration for modern penology.

What she achieved in the humane treatment of imprisoned women in early 19th century England, was extended to male prisoners throughout Europe during her lifetime.

If Mrs. Fry, mother of 12, were to return to 21st century America, she would have to start all over again. The number of women has soared, the reasons for their incarceration have changed, and the difficulties of rehabilitation have increased. ….