Female OffendersFemale Offenders

Each group of special needs offenders has its unique problems.

And there are unique challenges supervising them.

Female Offender ProblemsFemale Offender Problems

Female Offenders:• Have problems common to male offenders• Also have unique problems

Some Female Offender Some Female Offender ProblemsProblems

CBC and Parenting?CBC and Parenting?

CBCs promote constructive relationships between mothers and children.– Reduces next generation crime– New Trend: Similar approach with offender

fathers and their children

Lenient Sentencing BiasLenient Sentencing Bias

• Are FOs more likely than male offenders to receive lenient sentences?

Basis For BiasBasis For Bias

• Less Serious Crimes• General Bias

• Childcare Considerations• Welfare Costs• Concern For Future Criminality Of Children

Women and CrimeWomen and Crime

• Arrests• Women 22% (4% increase)• Men 78%

Drug Use and CrimeDrug Use and Crime

• Are women or men more likely to be under the influence of drugs when they commit crime?

Gender and CrimeGender and Crime

• Are some crimes more common to women?

• What are they?

FO ArrestsFO Arrests

• For which offenses are women most often arrested?

FOs Expanding Criminal FOs Expanding Criminal HorizonsHorizons

• Are FOs branching out to other types of crimes?

FOs and Violent CrimeFOs and Violent Crime

From 1984 until 1997:– FO serious violent crime increased 86%– Male serious violent crime decreased 5.6%

Violent Crime IncarcerationViolent Crime Incarceration

Is there a difference in incarceration rates for violent crime comparing men and women?

FO Incarceration GenerallyFO Incarceration Generally

For what type offenses are women most commonly incarcerated?

Incarceration RatesIncarceration Rates

The number of FOs in prison increased 81% from 1990 to 1999.

FOs in the CJ SystemFOs in the CJ System

• Even with increased in female crime, FOs are:• 6% of prison population• 21% of probationers• 12% of parolees

Disparate OpportunitiesDisparate Opportunities

Have there been any differences in opportunities provided to female and male inmates, and probationers and parolees?

Hot Trend in CJHot Trend in CJ

• Female crime is increasing.

• What impact will this have on the CJ system and CBC?

Why Do FOs Commit Crime?Why Do FOs Commit Crime?

FO DeficitsFO Deficits

Few Marketable Job SkillsMore Responsibilities and Demands Than

Men

Some FO NeedsSome FO Needs

• Finances• Employment Skill Training• Child Care• Emotional Aspects of Child Care

Dependent and Subservient Dependent and Subservient BehaviorBehavior

• Many FOs are still learning dependent behavior patterns.

• Many FOs assume subservient roles to males.

IndependenceIndependence

FOs need __________ and ________ to be independent.

It might take courage to make your first skydive or give a speech to strangers.

Community Based Programs Community Based Programs for Female Offendersfor Female Offenders

• Community based programs for FOs focus on:

Developing Economic Independence Effective Parenting Skills Survival Skills for Independent Living

• Ref: MML pages 342-43

Economic AssistanceEconomic Assistance

Job Readiness TrainingVocational Training (now non-traditional)Job Development and PlacementFollow-Up Services

Effective Parenting SkillsEffective Parenting Skills

• Nurturing• Patience• Setting Limits• Supervision• Appropriate Punishment

Survival SkillsSurvival Skills

• Money Management• Locate and Use Community Resources• Administering Contractual Agreements

• Car Purchase, Rent Apartment, Credit Card Rates

FO TX IssuesFO TX Issues

• Dependence• Lack of Self Trust (Competency)• Lack of Personal Responsibility

FO TX ShortcomingsFO TX Shortcomings

FO TX has traditionally been lacking due to:– TX programs place PT in passive role

Can subvert TX goals

Interesting QuoteInteresting Quote

“Fallen women don’t need to be put back on a pedestal. They need to learn to stand on their own two feet.”

The Greatest Obstacle to The Greatest Obstacle to Female Offender AchievementFemale Offender AchievementWhat is the greatest obstacle to FO

achievement?

Key Core Services for FOsKey Core Services for FOs

What are the key (core) services for FOs?

Summary CommentsSummary Comments

1. While there has been a tendency to treat FOs more leniently, the less serious nature of female crime is a more significant determinant of CJ processing than gender.

Summary CommentsSummary Comments

2. Most FOs must overcome disadvantages of social class and minority as well as gender in attempting to achieve self-sufficiency.