Supervision of Women Defendants and Offenders in the Community

• NCJ Number: 212534
• Author(s): Linda Sydney
• Date Published: October 2005
• Length: 24 pages
• Contract Number(s): 03S06GIY3
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Corporate Author: American Probation and Parole Assoc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded January 4, 2006.

Annotation

As part of a 3-year project entitled, "Gender Responsive Strategies: Research, Practice, and Guiding Principles for Women Offenders," this report examines gender-responsive strategies for women defendants and offenders under supervision in the community.

Abstract

The number of women on probation nearly doubled from 1990 to 2003, and the number on parole more than doubled. This trend has sparked research that has examined areas that can significantly influence women offenders' potential for effective outcomes within the community corrections system. Gender-responsiveness for women offenders in community corrections involves creating a corrections environment that recognizes the particular needs and problems distinctly faced by women. Some distinctive needs and conditions that bear upon women offenders' lives are a probable history of abuse and victimization, the importance of relationships in determining their attitudes and behaviors, the likelihood that they are primary caregivers to a child or other dependent, and a greater likelihood of drug abuse compared to male offenders. Women have distinctive health needs as well, including reproductive issues, a higher incidence of HIV, and a higher incidence of other diseases compared to men. Theories that explain the unique factors and influences in women's lives can guide the development of appropriate interventions and programming for women offenders in the community. This report discusses Pathways theory, Relational theory, Trauma theory, and Addiction theory as bases for developing correctional programs for women in the community. Based on these theories, six principles are outlined for implementing gender-responsive strategies for women offenders. They pertain to the nature of gender itself, environment, relationships, services and supervision, socioeconomic status, and community. Essential services are then listed for comprehensive treatment programs for women offenders. 2 tables, 4 notes, 4 references