The number of women incarcerated in Alabama has sky-rocketed in the last 30 years at a rate of approximately 690%--surpassing the high national rate of approx. 640%.

In 2008, the Commission on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System, a commission comprised of a broad range of stakeholders to improving the gender responsiveness of the state's criminal justice system, released 8 recommendations in a report, One Size Does Not Fit All: Research and Recommendations for Gender-Responsiveness in Alabama's Criminal Justice System.  Since 2008, the Commission has been leading and conducting invaluable inquiries to gauge progress on the 8 recommendations, and fostering new ideas and collaboration improving the lives and success of Alabama's incarcerated women and girls.

Under existing law, the Commission on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System was created by joint resolution and will dissolve in 2010. 

Your assistance is needed in making the Commission on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System a permanent commission.  Please sign this petition, showing your support and encouraging the support of Alabama's state legislators for this year's bill that will provide for the Commission on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System to become a permanent commission. 

The Alabama Women's Resource Network appreciates your attention to this critical bill and your support for the women we serve.