NCJ Number
223210
Date Published
2007
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter is based on a paper delivered at the conference, ‘What Works with Women Offenders’ in Prato, Italy in 2005 which examined some of the practical issues involved in delivery of ‘what works’ agenda for women offenders in the community in England and Wales.
Abstract
What works for women offenders is problematic in terms of content of programs for women, providing a safe learning environment, and in implementing such programs so women can access them. To provide the most effective resources for women offenders and to reduce offending, seven points have been established for the probation service and include: (1) women should have access to a range of accredited programs to address their needs; (2) outcomes should be carefully considered in terms of gender and race and other relevant issues of diversity; (3) where need is identified, specific programs for women offenders should be developed with consideration of practical delivery and followup issues, in both custodial and community settings; (4) all staff delivering and supporting programs for female offenders should attend gender awareness training; (5) obstacles to attendance and completion of programs for women offenders should be actively addressed; (6) always consider providing a safe learning environment for women offenders given the prevalence of the potential for victimization; and (7) women offenders should be encouraged to utilize the wider community resources available. Throughout England and Wales women offenders are able to access a range of accredited programs in the community based on the ‘What Works’ principles. Selection is based on targeting and suitability criteria established for each program. Current evaluative results show positive outcomes. This chapter discusses the development of offending behavior programs for women in prison and in the community in England and Wales in the context of program accreditation. Tables, references