Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

Introduction I n recent years there has been a focus on complexities surrounding the incarceration of women and how this impacts families and communities. While there are challenges facing correctional systems when it comes to addressing holistically the needs of women, this discussion will examine some of the evidence-based programs currently being utilized in correctional facilities across the country that have proven positive outcomes. This article will also examine other programs that have shown promise for the future of correctional programming for women, specifically in the areas of gen der-responsive programming, connecting incarcerated women to their children, prison art programming and higher education. This discussion will conclude with additional strategies on how to further expand these types of programs, which will include leveraging existing resources that can benefit correctional staff, administrators, incarcerated women and community stakeholders. While there is much to be done in meeting the needs of incarcerated women, highlighting was has been working within correctional facilities has implications for future funding and expanding existing programming. Gender responsive programming Research has highlighted the role gender and victim ization plays in the causes of criminal behavior in justice impacted women, especially when discussing topics such as domestic violence, poverty, trauma, sexual assault and addiction (Lind & Mauer, 2002). Therefore like all individuals who have commit ted crimes, women also require specific screening and assessment tools for recidivism risk, criminogenic needs and responsivity to treatment. Some research has suggested that utilizing common risk assessment instruments may be valid for men, but not necessarily applicable for women (Miller, 2021). As a result, there has been a development in women-specific classification instruments that correctional facilities now utilize, such as the Gender Informed Needs Assessment (GINA), the programming for justice impacted women. There is an abundance of research on the incarceration of men, but what is often not discussed are the

Service Planning Instrument for Women (SPIn-W), the COMPAS for Women and the Women’s Risk and Needs Assessment (WRNA), which in particular is a vali dated, peer-reviewed risk/needs assessment developed specifically for justice-involved women (LaVigne, 2023; UTCJC, 2023; Miller, 2021; 2023; Boppre & Salisbury, 2016). Programming wise, some evidence-based gender responsive programs utilized in corrections with positive outcomes include Beyond Violence: A Preven tion Program for Criminal Justice–Involved Women and Healing Trauma: A Brief Intervention for Women and Helping Women Recover. These programs offer strategies that provide a comprehensive and cognitive approach to addressing challenges such as trauma, addiction and violence, while also touching on the importance of self, relationships and community (McCoy & Stuart, 2023). Many corrections departments also utilize peer support programming for women as research has highlighted the benefits of incorporating trauma-informed gender spe cific programming, citing promising results and changes in delinquent behavior, positive personal development and improved mental health for participants (Lenkens et al., 2019). While correctional and community based facilities have become more intentional in incorporating gender responsive programming, other opportunities for contin ued progress should include a focus on accommodating the specific needs of those within the LGBTQ com munity. Research has highlighted the unique pathways of LGBTQ individuals into the criminal justice system that can include disproportionate rates of victimiza tion, homelessness, family conflict and child welfare involvement (Kahle & Rosenbaum, 2021). Therefore strategies such as prioritizing correctional staff training on LGBTQ barriers, cultural competence, how to re spond to sexism and homophobia and creating a respect and inclusive culture that upholds policies that protect LGBTQ individuals are progressive action steps that can be taken (Garnette et al., 2011; Irvine et al., 2017; Wake field & Spivak, 2016). Evidence based programs that have proven to be successful for women in correctional settings must be both holistic — addressing the needs of an individual — and tailored to address specific crimino genic needs. This represents good stewardship of public dollars and can be more effective in reducing recidivism.

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Spring 2025 | Corrections Today

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