Speakers
Parallel Workshops
Gender-responsive (GR) correctional practices emphasise the crucial role of well-trained staff, especially women, in supporting women offenders' rehabilitation and reintegration. Singapore's success in reducing recidivism rates among women is attributed to the Singapore Prison Service's (SPS) GR approach and robust community support. Staff working with women offenders undergo specialised training to understand women offenders’ unique needs and employ effective GR principles, including relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. This comprehensive training extends from incare to aftercare settings and community partners, ensuring a consistent approach throughout the rehabilitation process. Staff benefit from individual coaching, case consultations, and targeted upskilling programmes. Community Corrections personnel receive additional support through clinical supervision, safety training, and mental health support via the WeWorkWell framework. To enhance the rehabilitation ecosystem, efforts are made to connect incare and community agencies through learning journeys and engagement sessions. These initiatives align with SPS's goals of supporting desistance through community resource mobilisation and staff development. While still in the early stages of expansion, future efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of GR practices within organisations. Ongoing adaptation to evolving research and offender needs remains crucial to enhance staff effectiveness and improve outcomes for women offenders in community corrections.