ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the evidence which informed this strategy and the structure of programmes and services instituted to achieve a changed approach to women's offending. The number of women imprisoned in Victoria, between 2008 and 2013, increased by 58 per cent, more than double that of the male prison population. The rising number of women in prison in Australia can be attributed to women's enhanced roles in drug networks, with some 18 per cent of women in prison for drug offences. The Better Pathways strategy was launched in 2005 by Corrections Victoria in response to a growing number of women entering the Victorian corrections system. Corrections Victoria developed as part of the Better Pathways strategy the Dedicated Women's Case Management Model (DWCM) to more effectively see women diverted from prison, and to reduce the number of women going into prison. There was considerable investment in the provision of community services to support women in their resolve for desistance.
