Management of Female Offenders: Achieving Strategic Change (From Women in Corrections: Staff and Clients, P 1-8, 2000, Australian Institute of Criminology -- See NCJ-187936)

• NCJ Number: 187946
• Author(s): Barbara Shaw
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Paper presented at the Women in Corrections: Staff and Clients Conference held in Adelaide, Australia, October 31-November 1, 2000. Downloaded March 21, 2001

Annotation

The Women's Policy Unit of the Queensland Department of Corrective Services (Australia) has recently produced a "Profile of Female Offenders in Queensland" and undertaken a comprehensive needs analysis; this paper discusses the challenges associated with using the findings of this work to drive strategic change in the management of female offenders and discusses the means proposed for this task, i.e., a 5-year strategic plan that will form part of the integrated departmental planning process.

Abstract

The needs analysis process complemented the empirical findings on female offenders and concluded that female offenders have physical, psychological, social, vocational, and health needs that require recognition in all areas of the correctional system. A broad approach identified needs for women as a group, as well as for two significant subgroups, indigenous women and primary caregivers of dependent children. A strategic plan is in the process of development, and this paper outlines the proposed components. The plan requires a clear commitment from the head of the corrections department that will ensure that the needs of female offenders are addressed in every aspect of the department's operations. Principles underlying the plan are responsiveness to identified needs, equitable access, freedom from discrimination, respect and dignity, rehabilitation, and cultural sensitivity. The plan will target key issues and challenges in the management of female offenders, such as planning and service-delivery challenges that arise from managing small numbers in a large state, indigenous overrepresentation, parental responsibilities, drug abuse, and health and well-being. Goals will be consistent with department goals, such as successful reintegration, a safe and healthy environment, appropriately skilled staff, and inclusive resource management and planning processes. Performance indicators will measure progress toward the achievement of goals. It will include a small number of priority strategies and actions, with further review and development to occur during annual planning cycles and detailed actions to be developed in operational plans across the agency.