An Outcome Evaluation of Centre Incorporated’s Responsive Risk Reduction for Women Program

Abstract

Research on gender-responsive correctional programming has yielded mixed results. Contemporary literature proposes practices aimed at increasing the efficacy of gender-responsive programming. Prior research has highlighted differential characteristics between female and male offenders, leading some scholars to suggest that correctional programming that is constructed to respond to needs and risks that disproportionately affect female offenders is needed to address the growing female incarcerated population. The current study seeks to expand upon the literature of such programs by conducting an outcome evaluation of a gender-responsive community-corrections program in Fargo, North Dakota that serves biological female offenders. The study provides contextual information about the current issue, reviews the literature regarding the current state of the incarcerated female population, and discusses the theoretical bases for gender-responsive programming. The study then provides an overview of the methods used for the outcome evaluation and discusses the findings and possible implications of the study.