Results indicate that, across gender, the most common reason for incarceration is drug-related; these results highlight the need for more effective substance abuse treatment. Overall findings show that all offenders across genders have similar categories of needs including vocational training, education, treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems, and social support. Manifestations of these needs among men and women are sometimes different and often require different approaches. Most male and female offenders have low-incomes, minimal education, inadequate job skills, and more physical and mental health issues, particularly chemical dependence, than the general population. Both men and women would benefit from positive social support, particularly from family. Women tend to have greater mental and physical health problems, chemical dependency issues, and child responsibilities than men; however fathers demonstrated a need to connect with their children. Women also tend to have greater needs with regard to employment readiness, although both men and women prisoners tend to have extensive needs in this area. Identifying gender needs and trends can assist in better individualizing interventions to address the complex needs of each offender. Policies and practices should support this approach. The Second Chance Act of 2008 which passed Congress with almost unanimous support, established rehabilitation as a key priority of the Federal criminal justice system; the Act authorizes $165 million each year to be used in rehabilitative programming focused on education, treatment, and help with housing, employment, and family relationships. References