Workshop to focus on incarcerated women

Las Vegas Municipal Court officials are planning a two-day continuing education workshop March 7-8 focusing on gender-specific services for women in the criminal justice system.

Organizers of the "Gender Matters" program say criminal justice professionals, medical and social services providers, and educators and students need to focus on issues unique to women behind bars.

Author, consultant and lecturer Stephanie Covington is scheduled to speak about the need for women in prisons and jails to receive substance abuse, violence and poverty counseling.

Workshop topics also will focus on research, National Institute of Corrections principles, and techniques for putting programs into practice.

Registration is $175 before March 1 and $200 afterward for the program at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas.