An underlying cause of errant behavior among female offenders is their own sense of powerlessness, often manifested as low self-esteem or basic confidence which is exacerbated within the broader prison context. Adopting the female offender-as-customer paradigm is consistent with the female offender’s major therapeutic goal of self-acceptance and positive self-image. Female offenders, as part of the rehabilitative process, must be empowered with confidence to deal with the larger social world. Using a systems perspective, addressing them requires a well-designed holistic programming and treatment response that promotes self-worth and well-being. From a systems perspective, an institution’s primary customers include female offenders, prison boards, judges, human service providers, correctional officers, and others. The notion of female offender as customer engenders a basic attitude or paradigm shift in those delivering services, which if implemented successfully, promotes increased flexibility, innovation and attention to where the customers’ future needs are headed. At the heart of this management approach is the idea that the effective and responsible institution will learn from its own experience and manifest constant growth in the quality of its services. As the quality grows, so too will the probability of successfully integrating the female offender into society as a contributing member. The leadership and management consideration presented in this chapter provides a roadmap to reducing the recidivism rate of female offenders and the potential for reinstitutionalization. References