ROSELAND, NJ (November 1, 2004)�The Albert M. �Bo� Robinson Education and Training Center recently opened its doors to female parole violators referred by the New Jersey Parole Board and female offenders from the Department of Corrections. There are currently 95 women participating in the program.

Community Education Centers, which owns and operates Bo Robinson, runs successful women�s programs at several other sites, including: Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey; Tooley Hall in Denver, Colorado; Community Alternatives of El Paso in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Community Alternatives of Casper in Casper, Wyoming.

These gender-specific programs were developed to meet the unique needs of women with substance abuse problems. Research has found that women are more likely to have suffered from physical and sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. They are also more likely to use drugs to help manage emotional pain, and they are more likely than men to have dependent children. Further, programs that address the specific needs of female offenders are more successful in helping women recover and in preventing relapse.

�The Women�s Program at Bo Robinson provides specialized groups, including anger management, self-esteem, emotional management, trauma and abuse, alcohol and substance abuse and parenting skills designed to address issues commonly faced by female offenders,� according to Dr. Angela Mims, Administrator of the program.