Case Management for Gender Diverse Offenders: What We Know

What we did

Quarterly scans of peer-reviewed and grey literature were conducted using Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, various correctional jurisdiction websites, and other literature databases to find information about case management of GDOs. Publications about operational and health care practices (i.e., housing, access to hormone replacement therapy, etc.) were also explored.

What we found

Generally, correctional jurisdictions use an individualized case management approach for GDOs. One exploratory study^{Footnote 5} specific to community case management of GDOs was found; these semi-structured interviews with case managers at a residential community corrections site in the United States focused primarily on operational and health services management (e.g., housing, clothing, access to gender affirming health care). Yet, staff reported experiencing uncertainty when working with GDOs due to the lack of relevant gender diversity training.

Compiling information from peer-reviewed and grey literature, correctional policies and practices, and the GDOs profile^{Footnote 1} alludes to potential areas to inform case management.^{Footnote 6} First, gender affirming practices and supports (e.g., preferred pronouns and name, supporting self-identification, etc.) that endorse the individual’s identity assists in building trust and rapport. Second, trauma-informed interventions and supports may be beneficial for these offenders as most GDOs experienced lifetime abuse/trauma and may experience discrimination and harassment related to their gender diversity. Third, the intersectional nature of their experiences (e.g., gender identity and expression, race/ethnicity including Indigenous Social History for about half of federal GDOs^{Footnote 1}, age, biological sex, sexual orientation, family status, etc.) underscores the complex needs of this group. Fourth, understanding the nuances of their offence histories is crucial for case management with the majority committing violent offences (one-third with a sex offence history^{Footnote 1}). Finally, a multi-disciplinary team approach that includes staff knowledgeable about gender identity and expression issues as well as health care (physical and mental) may assist GDOs as they work to address their complex criminogenic needs.

What it means

With the establishment of the Gender Considerations Secretariat in 2020, the promulgation of Commissioner’s Directive 100: Gender Diverse Offenders^{Footnote 7} in May 2022, the creation of guidance documents which supports decision making and policy implementation, and the focus on diversity training for staff, CSC is enhancing its resources to provide direction to staff when working with GDOs, ensuring appropriate care, supervision, and gender accommodations for GDOs. Empirical case management research for GDOs is rare; on-going monitoring of this research will continue. An ongoing GDO research project in partnership with the University of Victoria is exploring health and safety barriers related to institutional transfers of GDOs; results will inform CSC’s case and operational management practices.

For more information   

Please e-mail the Research Branch. You can also visit the Research Publications section for a full list of reports and one-page summaries.

Prepared by: Shanna Farrell MacDonald and Sarah Cram