Women are the fastest-growing population in the U.S. justice system—yet their unique needs remain widely unmet. This session explores the impact of incarceration on women and their families, and how gender-responsive strategies like the Gemma Project are addressing this hidden crisis. Participants will learn about the importance of tailored, trauma-informed approaches, and the power of multi-system collaboration to support justice-involved women, most of whom are mothers, through both pre- and post- release programming.

Speakers:

• Cynthia Chase, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Gemma Project
• Kiki Farris, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Contra Costa County Probation Department
• Nicole Green, Therapy Intern, The Gemma Project

Handouts: