Gender Specific Programs for Incarcerated Adults

Gender-specific programming for offenders can help address the differential needs of men and women, while also offering opportunities for transforming successful programs into gender-neutral, global options. One such opportunity is the Extended Visiting program offered by many states. Extended visiting or enhanced visiting offers incarcerated mothers the opportunity to “enjoy longer visits that are more structured and child-oriented” than the typical visitation options (Schubert, Duininck & Shlafer, 2016, p. 213). Because of initial successes at implementing extended visiting programs, criminal justice policy analysts may consider methods of introducing similar programs for fathers. When the goals of criminal justice become more oriented towards rehabilitation, extended visiting programs are crucial for facilitating reentry.
The Extended Visiting program specifically described by Schubert, Duininck & Shlafer (2016) was designed for low-risk offenders, specifically those living in a “privileged living unit,” (p. 219). As such, it may not be suitable for all prison populations regardless of their gender. Yet there is nothing inherent to Extended Visiting that would preclude the program from being offered to fathers who are incarcerated. The benefits of a gender-specific program for mothers include recognition of the needs of the child to develop strong bonds with the mother. In one study, Schubert, Duininck & Shlafer (2016) show that the children of incarcerated adults experience “fewer adverse outcomes” when they continue to receive parental care during the period of incarceration (p. 215). This program only hurts female offenders if it precludes fathers from participating in the same. The burden of child rearing should not fall solely upon the woman, and programs like these could effectively offer a government mandate for gendered parenting. Therefore, future research should investigate ways of changing the Extended Visiting program to a gender neutral program.
References
Schubert, E.C. Duininck, M. & Shlafer, R.J. (2016). Visiting mom. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation 55(4): 213-234.