[§367D‑2]  Model programs; department
of public safety.  Subject to funding by the legislature, the director of
public safety shall foster a gender-responsive environment by providing model
gender-responsive programs for female offenders that are responsive to
statewide needs and geographical areas and shall award contracts for the
programs.  The gender-responsive environment and programs shall:



(1)  Respond in a rehabilitative way to the type of
offenses female offenders generally commit and address pathways to crime;



(2)  Respond to the problems of female offenders with
dependent children;



(3)  Respond to the importance of developing
self-determination through independent living and marketable job skills;



(4)  Assist female offenders in overcoming their own
extreme degree of dependency by developing and fostering strong and healthy
relationships without losing self-esteem;



(5)  Respond appropriately to the specific health care
needs of women, including but not limited to mental health and substance abuse
services;



(6)  Offer transitional support for female offenders
and their families to promote successful reentry into their families and
communities; and



(7)  Offer technical assistance and training toward
the implementation of other similar programs. [L 2006, c 258, pt of §2]