In 1989, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) commissioned a task force to study the management of Federal women offenders from admission to warrant expiry. In an attempt to put a framework to the task force’s ideas, the Operational Plan for the Regional Institutions was developed in 1992. As part of the Plan, it was determined that women were in need of enhanced maximum security, therefore the construction of Enhanced Units was begun at each site. In 1994, four staff members were seriously assaulted at the Prison for Women (PFW). During this same time, various commissions and reports were undertaken to better understand the needs of this small group of women offenders. In 1996 and 1997, CSC decided to focus on interventions to assist women to quickly achieve their medium security status, to improve programs, and to get the Regional Psychiatric Center program back on track. In 1997, the “healing house” concept was recommended, with the understanding that women at the maximum security level with additional assistance could function at lower security levels. As a result, in 1998, the concept evolved into the comprehensive Intensive Intervention Strategy (IIS). In 1999, the Enhanced Units were renovated and expanded. This entailed Structured Living Environment houses accommodating women at the minimum and medium security level with mental health problems offering additional support and intervention. At the time of the article, 39 women were classified at the maximum security level. To date, the IIS appears to be an effective approach. References