Watch Cellblock 6: Female Lock Up

Cellblock 6: Female Lock Up was a reality TV show that premiered on TLC in 2010. The show offered a peek inside the life of female inmates at the Gwinnett County Jail in Georgia, United States. The show was hosted by Mark Behar, a former bodyguard to celebrities such as Madonna and Michael Jackson, and Laura Hicks, a licensed clinical social worker with experience helping incarcerated women. Dan Pinkard, a retired police officer, rounded out the cast as a corrections expert who provided insight into the procedures and policies of the jail.

The show followed the daily routines of the women in the jail, including their interactions with each other and the staff, as well as their struggles and triumphs. While some women entered the jail with prior criminal records, others were experiencing incarceration for the first time. The show revealed the unique challenges that female inmates face - from maintaining family relationships to dealing with mental health issues and addiction - and how they try to overcome them.

One of the recurring themes of the show was the importance of family relationships for the female inmates. Many of the women had children and partners on the outside, and the show explored the impact of incarceration on these relationships. Some women were visited regularly by family members, while others struggled to maintain connections. The show also highlighted the difficulties faced by mothers who are separated from their children, many of whom were taken into social services custody.

Another focus of the show was the impact of mental health issues on the female inmates. Many women had addiction issues, which often went hand in hand with mental health problems. The show highlighted the jail's efforts to provide mental health services to the women, including group therapy and individual counseling sessions. The show also explored the challenges faced by women who were trying to overcome addiction, such as coping with withdrawal symptoms and dealing with triggers that could lead to relapse.

The staff at the jail also featured prominently in the show. Viewers got to see how the corrections officers handled difficult situations, such as conflicts between inmates or medical emergencies. The show also highlighted the daily routines of the staff, including meals and shift changes. In addition, the show explored the challenges faced by the officers, such as the risk of violence and the emotional toll of dealing with incarcerated individuals.

Overall, Cellblock 6: Female Lock Up provided an insightful and often moving look at the lives of female inmates in the Gwinnett County Jail. The show revealed the resilience and strength of the women as they faced challenges both inside and outside the jail, and the efforts of the staff to provide support and rehabilitation to those in their care. The show tackled difficult issues such as addiction, mental health, and family separation with sensitivity and respect, and offered a unique perspective on the American criminal justice system.