The programming needs of female offenders differ from those of male offenders, especially with regard to children. Females traditionally are the primary caregivers of their infants and children. Many sources have called for community programs for mothers and children. Women commit relatively few violent crimes and can be handled safely in the community. Facilities for mothers to reunite with their children postincarceration are on the increase.
Some jurisdictions provide community programs as alternatives to incarceration.
All incorporate creative programming to meet the multiple needs of these women and their children. This book describes some of these programs. I found the material in this book to be an excellent example of research in an area long overdue. This manuscript has to be one of the most comprehensive documents on the program needs of the female offenders. The information now comprised under one cover provides access to information that has taken me some eleven years to acquire.