It discusses trends in the number of female inmates and the growth of this population. Also addressed are what statistics or trends show about female inmate characteristics, including age, race/Hispanic origin, most serious offense, drug use, prior physical or sexual abuse, and number of minor children. Trends in the number of correctional facilities for female inmates are noted, as well as how near to their families or community ties female inmates are housed. The study considers the extent to which correctional policies, classification systems, and education/job-training programs take into account the special needs of female inmates, along with the types of parenting programs provided to female inmates (i.e., visitation, mother-infant/child residential programs, and parent education programs). Information is provided on the types of reviews performed to assess female-specific health care, particularly regarding access to care and quality of care. Other issues addressed are the extent to which substance abuse treatment services are provided to female inmates, the rates of mental illness among female inmates, and the rates of HIV infection among this inmate population. 8 tables