The Center aims to prepare its residents for "community living through structured programs focusing on developing their skills." The Center's organizational and staffing structure allows it to function as an autonomous body with personnel dedicated to the requirements of the Center's operations. This autonomy, together with support from the hierarchy, has encouraged the implementation of creative and innovative initiatives. It has also consolidated a management framework based upon teamwork, consistency, and professionalism. A system of case management that clearly defines roles and boundaries and assists women in developing their own solutions to their problems and situations allows them to work toward genuine empowerment. The application of living skills to the reality of community living is an invaluable experience for these women as they can address the problems of accommodation, families and children, employment, finance, and ongoing health issues prior to their release from correctional custody during this transition period. The willingness of the local community to work with the Center in establishing both pre-release and post-release supports is a critical factor in transition and also in the deinstitutionalization of female offenders. Participatory management by resident representatives and members of the community has allowed the women to participate in the management of the Center at a more sophisticated level. This in turn has resulted in a partnership between staff and residents to maintain the integrity of the Center and its programs while simultaneously providing the community with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and the confidence to take ownership of corrections. 7 references