Reducing the Incarceration of Women: Community-Based Alternatives

Typically nonviolent low-level offenders, women have been hit particularly hard by California’s sentencing and correctional policies and practices. In a system that was designed to respond to male offenders, few programs are available to respond to the unique needs of women prisoners. This special report from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency explains the issues surrounding the incarceration of women, and offers recommendations for reform.

Typically nonviolent low-level offenders, women have been hit particularly hard by California’s sentencing and correctional policies and practices. In a system that was designed to respond to male offenders, few programs are available to respond to the unique needs of women prisoners. This special report from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency explains the issues surrounding the incarceration of women, and offers recommendations for reform.