Collaborations Between Community Corrections and Community Organizations: Understanding their Potential for System-Involved Women and Gender Responsive Programming

Abstract

Central to gender responsive programming is providing holistic resources to women. Here, we examine the possibilities of using collaborations between community corrections agencies and community-based organizations to meet the unique needs of women. We draw on fieldwork at a community corrections agency for women alongside interviews with them, staff, and community organizations. In doing so, we illustrate how different stakeholders viewed the unique benefits of these collaborations in terms of their ability to advance gender responsive principles. Simultaneously, we illuminate how correctional organizational priorities—including those designed to advance gender responsive principles—can stymie the development of these collaborations.