Which organization was the first dedicated to working with criminal justice-involved women?

The correct answer is the WPA, which stands for the Women's Prison Association. This organization has a significant historical context, as it was one of the first in the United States specifically focused on addressing the unique needs of women involved with the criminal justice system. Founded in 1845, the WPA aimed to support women by providing services that promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society, particularly addressing the challenges they face compared to their male counterparts.

The WPA's mission emphasizes advocacy, direct services, and systemic change, which underscores the importance of gender-specific interventions within the criminal justice system. By prioritizing the needs of criminal justice-involved women, the WPA has laid the groundwork for similar organizations and initiatives that focus on marginalized populations within the justice system. This historical significance and its ongoing work in social justice and prison reform make it a pioneer in this field.