Female inmates have been referred to as the "forgotten offenders." One reason for this neglect is that women account for only about 7 percent of all jail and prison inmates. This chapter reviews the history and evolution of women's prisons in the United States. Some selected characteristics of female inmates are described, as well as some of the classification problems officials have encountered in devising appropriate programs for women. Similar to prisons for men, women's prisons have a distinctive subculture apart from that imposed by the administrative policies and rules. This subculture is examined in this chapter. Administrators of women's prisons or those co-correctional prisons with separate facilities and programs for women must create and maintain useful rehabilitative, education, and vocational programs that can benefit women when they are released and seek employment. Many women admitted to prisons and jails are also mothers. Judges and others are hesitant to separate mothers from their children, and some prison accommodations permit prolonged mother/child interactions. Also, many women enter prison pregnant and require prenatal and postnatal care. Some of the administrative efforts to address the special needs of female offenders are described. Some of the community-based correctional options available for women are also examined, followed by an evaluation of the effectiveness of corrections for women. 3 tables, key terms, review questions, and 10 suggested readings