Key Issues in the Provision of Correctional Services of Women (From Women in Corrections: Staff and Clients, P 1-7, 2000, Australian Institute of Criminology -- See NCJ-187936)

• NCJ Number: 187967
• Author(s): Mitch Byrne; Kevin Howells
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• 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

This paper surveys the specific needs of female prisoners and discusses some of the actions required to meet these needs.

Abstract

Although there is no formal measure of the general needs of female offenders in Australia, a substantial review of the needs of female prisoners was conducted by the Prison Inspectorate for England and Wales. Based on official statistics and interviews with 10 percent of the total population of female inmates, this study identified the high prevalence of sexual, physical and emotional abuse; substance abuse; self-harm and attempted suicide; poor employment and poor educational histories; and severe emotional or mental problems. A small study of female offenders in New Zealand reported similar problems among female offenders. These studies thus highlight the importance of psychological needs in the study of female offending. Clearly, a needs-based management and rehabilitation system must be designed to address the distinctive features of women offenders. The core tasks of offender assessment, custodial management, treatment delivery, rehabilitation, and discharge planning require attention and resources to ensure that the gender-related needs of women inmates are appropriately met.