Problem
You were introduced to some of the issues probation and parole officers encounter when working with female offenders. In the scenario, Working with Female Offenders, you were asked to make some decisions concerning which probation officer should work with a client. Explain your choices by answering the following questions.
If you were the supervisor, who do you think would make a better probation officer for Sheila-Jim or Cassie? What advice would you give to Jim or Cassie to help him or her establish rapport with Sheila? What approaches could be taken to help Sheila become independent and make healthier relationship choices?
In what ways do you think gender-specific programming can be especially beneficial for women on probation or parole? What kinds of strategies would you use if you were in charge of setting up this kind of program? Why is it important to recognize and understand gender distinctions in the area of community corrections sentences? Explain.