Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #13 - What Else Works ... Volume 1 (ACJ13-A010)

Article 10: What else works? The Stepping Stones criminogenic program for women (ACJ13-A010)

Abstract

As women who offend represent a small minority in correctional systems, most programs and policies are made based on research on male populations. There is, however, a growing body of literature demonstrating that women’s pathways into offending are different. This paper outlines a new program that Corrections South Australia has developed in an effort to provide a gender-specific rehabilitation program to address the criminogenic needs of women in prison. In approaching this work, Corrections South Australia considered a range of theoretical and clinical perspectives, including Aboriginal women’s experiences of the justice system, in its design of a culturally inclusive program.

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Authors

Shawn Sowerbutts

Psychologist, Senior Programs Officer, Department for Correctional Services South Australia, Australia

Shawn Sowerbutts is a Psychologist currently working as the Senior Programs Officer within the Program Services Unit, Department for Correctional Services in South Australia. His primary role is to develop, implement, and support the Department’s criminogenic rehabilitation programs. Shawn has over two decades of experience in working with forensic clients. Prior to his current role he worked as a group facilitator in programs for people who had committed sexual offenses and violent offenses.

Louise Hopkins

Senior Clinician, Department for Correctional Services, Australia

Louise Hopkins currently works as a Senior Clinician in the Rehabilitation Programs Branch at the Department for Correctional Services. Louise has held a range of roles in the Department since 2010 and has experience in assessment, facilitating criminogenic and non-criminogenic programs across community and prison settings, and program development. Louise’s passion for supporting meaningful change extends especially to women involved with the criminal justice system.

Emma Ziersch

Senior Programs Evaluation Officer, Department for Correctional Services, Australia

Emma Ziersch is a Senior Programs Evaluation Officer in the Department for Correctional Services. Emma is responsible for undertaking research and evaluation on a range of programs and initiatives related to offender rehabilitation, including reoffending studies of the Department’s criminogenic treatment programs.

Chelsea Dunn

Social Worker, Department for Correctional Services, Australia

Chelsea Dunn is a proud Gamilaraay Woman, currently working at the Adelaide Women’s Prison as an Institutional Social Worker in the Department for Correctional Services. Her primary role is to provide offense focused rehabilitation support to develop life skills, provide counselling and support, and reinforce positive behaviors. Chelsea has a background in Aboriginal history and acts as a point of contact and a resource for families of Aboriginal prisoners and offenders to promote their welfare throughout their journey through the Department for Correctional Services.

Henry Pharo

Clinical Psychologist, Director of Offender Rehabilitation Services, Department for Correctional Services South Australia, Australia

Henry Pharo is a Clinical Psychologist currently working as the Director of Offender Rehabilitation Services within the Department for Correctional Services in South Australia. In his role he has oversight of the teams delivering the department’s rehabilitation programs, and education services. Henry completed his PhD and training as a Clinical Psychologist through the University of Otago, New Zealand. He has previously worked as a Psychologist or the New Zealand Corrections Department. Henry has a passion for research and an interest in expanding his involvement in research within the forensic environment. During his time with the South Australian Department for Correctional Services he has been involved in several projects to improve current practices for the assessment, treatment, and management of offenders in line with an evidence-based approach.

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #13 - What Else Works ... Volume 1 (ACJ13-A010)

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