Oklahoma Department of Corrections is proud to announce that it will begin assessing female inmates using the Women’s Risk Needs Assessment, an evidence-based instrument to provide individualized case plans and treatment options. For many women, addressing the underlying factors that contributed to incarceration is the first step toward breaking the cycle of recidivism.
When a person is sentenced to prison, they are evaluated during intake to identify the factors and circumstances that contributed to their incarceration. For decades, every inmate, regardless of gender, has been assessed with the same tool. However, research shows that women often enter prison with different life experiences than men, including higher rates of trauma, abuse, mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Those experiences require different interventions and a different path toward rehabilitation.
This week, 25 ODOC staff members received training from the University of Utah Criminal Justice Center team, funded by a National Institute of Corrections grant, on using the WRNA. The three-day training was attended by staff from ODOC’s Programs, Probation and Parole, and Assessment Center, and will be implemented in our female facilities once each staff member becomes certified.
“Changing the way we assess the needs of our female incarcerated population does not just transform the individual; it is part of our broader rehabilitation efforts to create individualized case plans,” said ODOC Director Justin Farris. “Recognizing women have different needs will help them be successful upon release, leading to better outcomes for Oklahoma and lower recidivism.”
In addition to implementing individualized case plans for incarcerated women, ODOC is establishing gender-specific Probation and Parole caseloads in Oklahoma, Tulsa, Ottawa, and McClain counties. Those specialized caseloads are expected to begin by October 2026
Following full implementation of the WRNA, ODOC plans to introduce the Men's Risk Needs Assessment, currently under development, to modernize the agency's current evaluation process and better address the needs of incarcerated men.
The implementation of the Women’s Risk Needs Assessment marks another step in ODOC’s commitment to evidence-based rehabilitation. By recognizing the unique needs of incarcerated women and tailoring plans accordingly, ODOC is helping more individuals leave prison better prepared to reunite with their families, contribute to their communities, and build successful lives after incarceration. Those outcomes strengthen public safety and create a stronger Oklahoma.
