AbstractsWomens Studies

Despite the disproportionate rates of incarceration between men and women, the number of women entering prison is growing at a faster rate than men; meanwhile nearly one million women are currently on probation in the United States (BJS, 2013; Morash, Bynum & Koons, 1998; Phillips & Harm, 1998; Blumstein & Beck, 1999). These women are challenged by gender specific incidences of sexual and/or physical abuse, domestic violence, responsibility of caring for their children, mental illness and/or drug addiction (Bloom, Owen & Covington, 2004; Morash et al., 1998). Research suggests that these women in the criminal justice system have common characteristics and needs that can be identified and treated accordingly (Trotter, McIvor & Sheehan, 2012). The present study examines the Women Offender Case Management Model (WOCMM) and Adult Probation Officers in the State of Connecticut; do probation officers maintain a position that the utilization of WOCMM increases the effectiveness of their supervision and management when considering female offenders in the State of Connecticut? This study has shown that the Women Offender Case Management Model does in fact support the probation supervision of female offenders. Overall, positive outcomes were reported by probation officers and their satisfaction with WOCMM. The probation officers substantiated the position that the utilization of WOCMM increases the effectiveness of their supervision and management when considering female offenders in the State of Connecticut. 'Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Criminal Justice.'; Thesis advisor: Susan Koski.; M.S.,Central Connecticut State University,,2016.; Advisors/Committee Members: Koski, Susan V..