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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:11 am
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Results for gender-based programs
8 results foundAuthor: Great Britain. House of Commons. Justice Committee Title: Women offenders: after the Corston Report Summary: Five years after the March 2007 publication of Baroness Corston's report A review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system (hereafter "the Corston Report"), which made a series of recommendations to drive improvement in the women's criminal justice agenda, we decided to hold an inquiry to review progress and examine current strategy and practice with respect to female offenders and those at risk of offending. In particular we sought to explore: - The nature and effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice's strategy for women offenders and those at risk of offending; - The nature and effectiveness of Ministry of Justice governance structures for women's offending; - The extent to which work to address the multiple and complex needs of women offenders is integrated across Government; - The extent to which the gender equality duty has become a lever for mainstream service commissioners "outside of the criminal justice system" to provide services which tackle the underlying causes of female offending; - The suitability of the women's custodial estate and prison regimes; - The volume, range, quality, and sustainability of community provision for female offenders, including approved premises; - The availability of appropriate provision for different groups of women offenders, including: under 18s, women with children, foreign nationals and Black, Asian and minority ethnic women, and those with mental health problems. Details: London: The Stationery Office Limited, 2013. 229p. Source: Internet Resource: Second Report of Session 2013;V14: Accessed November 20, 2014 at: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/Justice/Women-offenders.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/Justice/Women-offenders.pdf Shelf Number: 134164 Keywords: Corston ReportCriminal Justice ReformFemale Offenders (U.K.)Gender-Based Programs |
Author: Malinowska-Sempruch, Kasia Title: The Impact of Drug Policy on Women Summary: Across the globe, the failure of the war on drugs has come at an enormous cost to women. Punitive drug laws and policies pose a heavy burden on women and, in turn, on the children for whom women are often the principal caregivers. Prohibitionist policies impede access to and use of HIV and hepatitis C prevention and care services for everyone, but women and girls virtually always face a higher risk of transmission of these infections. Men suffer from unjust incarceration for minor drug offenses, but in some places women are more likely than men to face harsh sentences for minor infractions. Treatment for drug dependence is of poor quality in many places, but women are at especially high risk of undergoing inappropriate treatment or not receiving any treatment at all. All people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, but women are often more likely than men to be severely vilified as unfit parents and "fallen" members of society. In drug policy reform debates and movements happening around the world, the rights of women should be a central concern. Less punitive laws for minor and nonviolent drug infractions are the best single means of reducing incarceration of women and thus incarceration-related abuse. Such measures will also reduce stigma and enable women to have better access to services in the community. The Impact of Drug Policy on Women elaborates on the gender dimension of drug policy and law, with attention to the burdens that ill-conceived policies and inadequate services place on women and girls. Details: Washington, DC: Open Society Foundations, 2015. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 2, 2015 at: http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/sites/default/files/ungass-impact-drug-policy-women-20150507.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/sites/default/files/ungass-impact-drug-policy-women-20150507.pdf Shelf Number: 135851 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Policy ReformGender-Based ProgramsWar on Drugs |
Author: Prison Reform Trust Title: International Good Practice: Alternatives to imprisonment for women offenders Summary: This report presents a wide range of international examples of alternatives to custody for nonviolent women offenders. It profiles a number of dynamic projects in different jurisdictions, some of which have proven to be particularly successful in reducing reoffending in women offenders. Due to both time constraints and the availability of research evidence, the report uses information from predominantly Western countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. European examples are used where available and relevant. The women's prison population in England and Wales more than doubled between 1995 and 2010 and, although numbers are starting to decline somewhat, approximately 13,500 women are sent to prison each year in the UK. This is one of the highest rates of women's imprisonment in Western Europe. The human, social and financial costs are considerable. Women in prison are ten times more likely than men to harm themselves, Most women are imprisoned for short periods and they have very high reconviction rates, suggesting that for many prison is neither rehabilitative nor a deterrent. Many of the women sent to prison are mothers, compounding and prolonging the detrimental impact. According to one survey, six in ten women in prison had dependent children (on average two children.) At least a third of mothers are lone parents before imprisonment. In 2010, more than 17,000 children were separated from their mothers by imprisonment. For eight out of ten children, it's the first time they have been separated from their mums for more than a day or so. Innovative approaches are needed if these damaging impacts are to be significantly reduced. Various studies have shown that non-custodial programmes are significantly more cost-effective than imprisoning women who offender. The average annual cost of a woman's imprisonment in England and Wales today stands at L56,415 compared to a Community Order cost of L2,800 per year, and an average of L1,300 for standalone community-based services. From early intervention strategies to resettlement programmes, this report outlines a range of alternatives to imprisonment for women offenders. These include inter alia women's centres and one-stop-shops, community residential alternatives, and small units designed to accommodate women offenders. Focusing on a diverse range of alternatives emphasises the specific issues faced by women in the criminal justice systems across the world such as mental health needs, exposure to domestic and sexual abuse, drug and alcohol use, and homelessness. By addressing the factors that underlie women's offending, we are better able to generate sustainable alternatives that have the potential to significantly reduce offending. This research has been exclusively desk-based and as such makes extensive use of studies undertaken and statistics presented by academics, policy-makers, and international agencies. It focuses predominantly on non-violent adult women offenders, although some reference is made to young women offenders, older women offenders, and women sentenced for serious and violent crimes. It does not present a rigorous comparative analysis of different approaches but does include as much evaluative evidence as possible for the different initiatives. In October 2013 the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, its causes and consequences, presented a new report to the UN General Assembly, Pathways to, conditions and consequences of incarceration of women. It illustrates the strong link between violence against women and women's imprisonment - prior to, during and after prison. That report examines the causes, conditions and consequences of women's incarceration and is a timely and forceful reminder of why alternatives to incarceration are so badly needed. Academic experts and practitioners concur that, if they are to work for women, services and interventions must be 'gender-responsive'. Gender-responsive practice can be divided into five parts: - relational - recognising that women develop self-worth through their relationships with others and are motivated by their connections with other people - strengths-based - using each woman's individual strengths to develop empowered decisions - trauma-informed - recognising the ways in which histories of trauma and abuse impact upon a woman's involvement in the criminal justice system - holistic - providing a comprehensive model that addresses the multiple and complex needs of women offenders - culturally-informed - services recognise and respond to the diverse cultural backgrounds of women offenders. The information provided about the different programmes and services profiled in this report is organised thematically, as is evident from the chapter headings. The same service may be described under more than one heading where it provides for a range of needs or different groups. This is indicated by a cross reference at the beginning of a project. All the material is extensively referenced, enabling the reader to investigate particular projects further. Details: London: PRT, 2015. 65p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 5, 2016 at: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/portals/0/documents/international%20good%20practice%20final.pdf Year: 2015 Country: International URL: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/portals/0/documents/international%20good%20practice%20final.pdf Shelf Number: 138114 Keywords: Alternatives to incarcerationChildren of PrisonersFemale OffendersGender Specific ResponsesGender-Based Programs |
Author: Crittenden, Courtney A. Title: Gender and Programming: A Comparison of Program Availability and Participation in U.S. Prisons for Men and Women Summary: The current study examines the state of prison programming across the U.S. and whether availability of and participation in prison programs varies by gender and other key factors such as the interaction effects of race and gender, self-identified needs, and facility-level characteristics. Using Morash, Rucker, and Haarr's (1994) study, the last major study comparing prison programming for men and women in U.S. prisons, as a guide, I explore the current state of prison programming using national-level survey data. The results indicate that gender does indeed matter for both prison programming availability and participation with women having more programs available to them and participating in more programs than men. Moreover, the findings suggest that programming might be influenced by both stereotypical gender expectations and gender-responsive principles. The interactions of race and gender were also significant for at least one programming option in every domain examined. Results also indicated that inmates are being placed into programming based on self-identified needs, which is promising. Finally, facility-level characteristics are important factors for both program availability and participation. Details: Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, 2013. 424p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed December 16, 2016 at: http://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1610&context=etd Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1610&context=etd Shelf Number: 146124 Keywords: Correctional ProgramsGender-Based ProgramsPrisonersRehabilitation Programs |
Author: Women in Prison Title: The Corston Report 10 Years On. How far have we come on the road to reform for women affected by the criminal justice system? Summary: The year 2017 marks a decade since the publication of the Corston report - A review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the Criminal Justice System. The 43 recommendations in the Corston report provided a roadmap for women-specific criminal justice reform. They gained cross-party support and were broadly accepted by three successive governments. Here, we aim to give an overview of what progress has been made to date in the implementation of the Corston recommendations. Considering each of the recommendations of the Corston report in isolation does not suffice to appreciate the overall vision and ethos embedded in Baroness Corston's report. Her overarching aim was that of systems change, of "a distinct, radically different, visibly-led, strategic, proportionate, holistic, woman-centred, integrated approach". It is important, therefore, that we ask ourselves to what extent there has been fundamental systems change for women affected by the criminal justice system and what major barriers still impede its implementation. We would like to highlight as a continued priority for government the following five, interlinked, key areas for systemic change: Expansion of and sustained funding for women's centres in the community as "one-stop-shops" to prevent women entering or returning to the criminal justice system (recommendations number 29, 30, 32 and 33). Liaison and diversion schemes to be extended and rolled out nationally to divert women away from custody into support (recommendations number 33 and 36). Specialist community support, including mental health support (recommendations number 36, 37, 39 and 40) and accommodation for women affected by the criminal justice system (recommendations number 16 and 21). Sentencing reform with greater use of alternatives to custody and women's community support services (recommendations number 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24). Coordinated, joined-up working between all agencies involved in the lives of women affected by the criminal justice system (recommendations number 1, 7, 8, 9 and 39). In order to achieve true systems change for women affected by the criminal justice system, it is vital for policy makers to recognise that criminal justice solutions alone are not sufficient to deal with offending. Nor is the Ministry of Justice, in isolation, able to implement the changes needed to reduce (re)offending. What is required is a joined-up approach that takes into account the root causes of women's offending. This approach must encompass an understanding of the compelling opportunities for change that appropriate housing, mental health support and gender-specific women's community support services can offer. Details: London: Women in Prison, 2017. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 27, 2017 at: http://www.womeninprison.org.uk/perch/resources/corston-report-10-years-on.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.womeninprison.org.uk/perch/resources/corston-report-10-years-on.pdf Shelf Number: 144590 Keywords: Corston ReportCriminal Justice ReformFemale Offenders (U.K.)Gender-Based Programs |
Author: Nolan, Amanda Title: An Assessment of the Women-Centred Training Orientation Program (WCTOP) Summary: The Correctional Service of Canada's (CSC) Women Offender Sector (WOS) delivers the Women-Centred Training Orientation Program (WCTOP) to all Primary Workers/Older Sisters (CX-02 deployments, recruits, or promotions) and all Behavioural Counsellors who will be working in women offender institutions. The objective of the WCTOP is to provide staff who work with women offenders an understanding of what it means to be women-centred with women and gain knowledge on the specific needs of women offenders. More specifically, the goals of the training program are to equip staff with an understanding of women offender issues and the principles of Creating Choices, the policies and procedures related to working with women, and the ability to set boundaries and recognize the balance between safety and security and the empowerment and reintegration of women offenders. Although WCTOP is considered to provide valuable information to staff on the specific needs of women offenders, the effectiveness and perceived benefit of the training has yet to be assessed. Accordingly, the current project was an assessment of the 10-day WCTOP. Using participant and facilitator feedback on training, pre- and post-training knowledge questionnaires, and a followup knowledge retention and application survey, the current study assessed the training implementation and effectiveness. With respect to knowledge presentation, facilitators and participants found the way in which the training was presented to be effective. Facilitators found the role play exercises to be of particular value, while the participants found effective communication, the women-centred approach, and Aboriginal cultural awareness to be of most value. Areas for possible improvement included organization of content and pertinent/useful materials. Participants considered the session on 'Aboriginal culture awareness' to be the most useful, while the session on 'Personal and team issues' was considered to be the least useful. In terms of knowledge retention, participants' average scores on the knowledge assessment questionnaire increased from 63% to 79% pre- to immediately and 8-months post-training. Survey results completed by 31 staff members at 8-months post-training found that the majority considered the WCTOP training to be at least "moderately helpful" in completing their job duties working with women offenders. In terms of knowledge application, the training sessions most applied by staff were 'empowerment, meaningful and responsible choices as well as respect and dignity', 'health, self-injury, and suicide', 'conflict theory and communication skills', and 'supportive environment and shared responsibility'. As a whole, WCTOP has met its objectives of increasing knowledge and awareness of the policies and procedures that govern women offenders. In addition, participants demonstrated an understanding of women offender issues and the principles of Creating Choices Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2017. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: 2017 No. R-385: Accessed october 19, 2017 at: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/scc-csc/PS83-3-385-eng.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Canada URL: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/scc-csc/PS83-3-385-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 147738 Keywords: Corrections OfficersCorrections TrainingFemale InmatesFemale OffendersGender-Based ProgramsPrison GuardsWomen Offenders |
Author: Great Britain. Ministry of Justice Title: Female Offender Strategy Summary: The Female Offender Strategy (June 2018) launches a new programme of work to improve outcomes for female offenders and make society safer by tackling the underlying causes of offending. The strategy sets out our vision that custody should be a last resort, reserved for the most serious offences. It makes clear that, where appropriate, women should be given the support they need to address their offending behaviour in community settings, and that early intervention is essential to reduce the number of women entering the justice system. By taking a gender-informed approach, we want to improve the outcomes for female offenders at all points of the system. We will deliver this vision by: empowering local areas to build on the early success of models such as the multi-agency, whole system approach (WSA), to meet the needs of female offenders and women at risk of offending a focus on partnership working, with a joined-up approach across government at a national level and between agencies and services at a local level to deliver a holistic response an evidence-based approach to what works, and pilots to test potential solutions and to ensure scalability. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2018. 55p. Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719819/female-offender-strategy.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719819/female-offender-strategy.pdf Shelf Number: 150823 Keywords: Female OffendersGender-Based programsWomen Offenders |
Author: Wilkinson, Keely Title: Intervening with women offenders: a process and interim outcome study of the Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE) programme Summary: The Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions (CARE) programme is an accredited custodial intervention for adult women who have a history of violence and complex needs, and a medium to high risk of reconviction. CARE was designed to reduce reoffending, and the risk of harm women pose to themselves and others by helping them to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, equip them with skills to manage their emotions, problem-solve and help them to develop a pro-social identity. This study, conducted in 2015, uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the short term effectiveness of the programme, and to gauge perceptions from both programme participants and facilitation staff to help to understand delivery and to highlight any areas for improvement. There were 99 participants who completed the CARE programme between April 2011 and March 2015 at two sites; HMP New Hall and HMP Foston Hall. Pre and post programme psychometric scores of participants were analysed and, 92 women had at least one psychometric measure completed both pre and post programme. Records of prison adjudications, misconduct and self-harm were obtained and assessed for 91 of the programme completers. Participant feedback was gained through thematic analysis of 40 completed post programme questionnaires (38% response rate). Understanding of the staff perceptions of the programme was gained through four focus groups and two interviews with thirteen staff members, comprising programme facilitators, treatment managers and mentor advocates. The study findings should be interpreted in light of the limitations, including the lack of a matched control group, a relatively small number of programme completers over a four year period and a low response rate to the post programme participant questionnaire. The study also does not measure the impact of the programme on longer term outcomes such as reconviction. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2019. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Ministry of Justice Analytical Series 2019: Accessed June 6, 2019 at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/806668/intervening-women-offenders-care-programme.pdf Year: 2019 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/806668/intervening-women-offenders-care-programme.pdf Shelf Number: 156231 Keywords: Correctional Programs Female Inmates Female Offenders Female Prisoners Gender-Based ProgramsWomen Offenders |