The use of community-based punishment, specifically parole, provides an opportunity for women offenders to take advantage of rehabilitative services that are available as social services to the general community. This study provides information on a missing link in the rehabilitation debate. It broadens the understanding of the mechanisms of rehabilitation by examining women prior to their participation in community-based social services in order to answer questions about the women who do and do not use them. The study was based on data gathered through a survey research design and used discriminant analysis to examine a group of 67 women parolees in the greater Boston area. Study results suggest that factors of parole, characteristics of the parolee and elements of the instant offense combine to discriminate between women who do not use services, women who begin services but do not complete them, and women who complete services. The article makes correctional policy recommendations based on the established link between the use of social services and a reduction in continued criminality. Tables, references, notes