The number of incarcerated women continues to grow, at rates exceeding those of men. Their entry into the criminal justice system, offense patterns, and levels of risk often follow a different path than men and require more targeted approaches. Correctional administrators need to understand and address these differences to improve outcomes for women offenders.
Assistance is available to local jurisdictions wishing to examine and improve their responses to this population. Agencies with sole or shared responsibility for managing women who come in contact with the criminal justice system can apply for limited, short-term technical assistance. Assistance may focus on women's pathways to criminal behavior and practices that improve outcomes in the community.
With few exceptions, every policy, program and practice impacts women across the corrections continuum (pre-trial, jails, prisons and community corrections.) As the range of topics is so broad, you will find below a list of topics and additional resources. Find a topic, click, and there will be a number of items of interest.
Click on the image of Patti Wachtendorf to watch her discuss her story about becoming the first female warden of Iowa's toughest prison.
Learn more about the Women’s Correctional Safety Scales Toolkit
Available for use in correctional agencies housing women in prison and jail settings.
