Women Offender Programs and Issues

Implementing Choices at Regional Facilities: Program Proposals for Women Offenders with Special Needs

Prepared by Alan Warner, Ph. D. For the
Women Offender Sector
Correctional Service of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario March 31, 1998

RTF

This report was prepared under contract to Correctional Service of Canada. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Correctional Service of Canada.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Executive Summary & List of Recommendations

Introduction & Purpose

I. Programming Experiences with Women with Special Needs

Women with Special Needs at Nova Institution
Treatment Issues and the Springhill Unit for Women
Women with Special Needs at Grand Valley Institution
Women with Special Needs at Prison for Women
Lessons For New Programs

II. Identification of Women withSpecial Needs

III. Principles and Processes of Specialized Mental Health Programs

IV. Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Program Model For Women with Basic Skill Needs and Cognitive Challenges

Conceptual Background of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Women's Needs and the Applicability of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Program Purpose and Objectives
Admission Criteria and Assessment Process
Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Planning
Characteristics of the Physical Living Environment
Daily Living Expectations and Skills-Teaching in the PSR Duplex
Work, Learning, and Leisure Programs and Skills
Behaviour Management in the Living Environment
Stigma Versus Peer Support and Teaching
Bridging for Community Integration
Staffing Complement, Qualifications, and Roles
Staffing Training, Support, and Communication
Program Evaluation
Implementation of a Pilot Program
Obstacles to Effective Implementation of the Program

V. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Programming For Women with Emotional Distress Needs

Conceptual Basis for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Roots of DBT Approach
Applicability of DBT to Women Offenders With Emotional Distress Needs and Severe Behavioural Difficulties
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Program Purpose and Objectives
Admission Criteria and Assessment Process
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Core Assumptions
DBT Behavioural Targets for Change
Components of DBT Treatment
Characteristics of the Physical Living Environment
Daily Living Expectations and Skills Application
Work, Learning, and Leisure Programs and Skills
Behaviour Management in the Living Environment
Bridging to Regular Houses
Bridging for Community Integration
Staffing Complement, Qualifications, and Roles
Staffing Training, Support, and Communication
Program Evaluation
Obstacles to Effective Implementation of the Program

Conclusion

References

Bibliography of Additional Literature Reviewed

Appendix A: List of Interviews and Meetings