Gender and Community Corrections Experience

Abstract

Women make up a larger percentage of probation and parole populations because they are more likely to commit property and drug crimes and have a less extensive criminal history. Notably, though, reflecting the trends under mass incarceration and the punitive turn, more women are now under the supervision of community corrections programming. Scholars and practitioners highlight a variety of shortcomings with these forms of surveillance and supervision including androcentric programming as well as the structural challenges women experience in meeting the technical conditions set forth in their supervision agreements.

The Gendered Effects of a Graduated Sanctions Model on Probation Outcomes in Kansas

“…The use of graduated sanctions may be a viable alternative to the current structure of probation because it provides women more opportunities to remain in the community where treatment is more accessible. However, some scholars argue that the androcentric, or male-centered, foundation of community supervision were developed to meet the needs of men and thereby do not include essential elements for women to be successful on probation and parole (T. D. Opsal, 2009;T. Opsal & Alexander, 2019), such as strong relationships with community corrections staff and conventional others and wrap-around services tailored toward individualized care that focuses on issues unique to women (Morash, 2010).…”

“…Women are typically considered a "low risk, high need" correctional population due to their history of trauma and low likelihood for recidivism in comparison to men (Salisbury et al, 2016, p. 233). Yet, the punitive risk-management orientation of the U.S. correctional system, even in community corrections, counters the support needed for women's re-entry and desistance from crime (T. Opsal & Alexander, 2019). When women's needs are not addressed in the community, it can increase the likelihood for revocations or the strengthening of conditions, especially given the increased focus on drug violations by community corrections in recent years (Morash et al, 2019;T.…”

“…Adhering to probation requirements may be more challenging for women, given their distinct realities. As women are often the primary caregivers of their children, it can be difficult to find child care to meet supervision requirements, such as mandatory meetings with their supervising officer, drug testing, or treatment groups (T. Opsal & Alexander, 2019). Also, as women have less economic opportunities and more familial obligations, the common probation requirement to obtain steady employment may also be more challenging for women in comparison to men (T. D. Opsal, 2009).…”

“…Traditional androcentric approaches are typically not recommended for women given their distinct needs and extensive histories of trauma (Bloom et al, 2003;T. Opsal & Alexander, 2019).…”

Examining “Mass Probation” Through an Intersectional Lens: The Intracategorical Effects of Race and Ethnicity on Women and Men’s Probation Outcomes in Kansas

“…Based on the accumulation of research on men and women's pathways and needs (Boppre et al, 2018), it is clear that such experiences are gendered and important to understanding recidivism during and following supervision, including probation (Salisbury & Van Voorhis, 2009). Opsal and Alexander (2019) describe the gendered realities of community supervision, including increased obstacles due to less access to transportation, economic marginalization, and increased caretaking responsibilities, which are often neglected in androcentric (i.e., male-based) supervision practices. As a result, the experiences of women on probation may be substantively different from that of men.…”