The Effect Of Gender-Responsive Programming On Revocation Outcomes for Community Corrections Clients

• In Event: Improving Client Outcomes in Community Corrections

Abstract

Previous literature has illuminated gender-based outcome disparities in community corrections, prompting a shift toward gender-responsive (GR) programs aimed at achieving equitable outcomes. These programs adopt an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to address disparities across gender, race, and trauma history. Evidence suggests that GR programs lead to fairer success rates, yet further research is needed to understand the patterns of inequity that emerge when we explore reasons for program failure. When examining these causes of revocation, many scholars advocate for distinguishing technical violations from new crimes to capture staff discretion and bias. This paper explores the potential for GR programs in a Colorado community corrections program to mitigate the effect of intersectional marginalization on new crimes and technical violations. Analyzing data from 487 clients (2018-2022), the study employs multinomial logistic regression models to estimate the effects of race, trauma, mental health, and substance use on revocation type. Results indicate that while race is positively associated with technical violations and trauma history is correlated with new crimes, GR programming does not significantly moderate these factors. This suggests that GR programming may not offer equitable benefits to marginalized women, underscoring the importance of addressing intersectionality and bias within GR programs.

Authors

• Anne Uhlman, Colorado State University

• Jessica Roig, Colorado State University

• Tara Opsal, Colorado State University