Planning began with workshop discussions around the State. The emphasis was placed on the need of female inmates to reach self-sufficiency as a means of leading productive lives once released into society. Planners isolated the target population: the typical female offender in the State is a 30-year-old with few years of education, undeveloped work skills, and a single head of household with one or more children. Planners arrayed correctional options along a line from least to most restrictive (street probation to prison) and then through four postprison stages to the least restrictive option, parole. These alternatives could be combined in an endless pattern to meet inmates' diverse needs. The design also allowed for movement a half-step at a time rather than in leaps mandated by the three-option old system -- probation, prison, parole. Fifteen components of the delivery system were devised, and a system of administrative supports created to ensure implementation. A staff training module was developed to ensure staff had the proper skills for working with female inmates, and the computer data base was refined to capture accurate profiles of women inmates. Several of the 15 options have been implemented to date. The option of using probation officers trained in dealing with women's issues to serve female clients now operates in 5 judicial circuits, serving 326 women. Another option -- sending female probationers to male diversion centers (as an alternative to prison) -- has been offered successfully since 1980. A diversion center and community residential centers for women have also been successful. One reference is listed.