Between December 1980 and May 1981, the status of women in Kentucky jails and prisons was examined in the state's two women's prisons and in 119 county jails. The facilities were surveyed and assessed, and interviews were conducted with all women (N=95) in the Kentucky state prison system, men (N=111) incarcerated in the state system, women (N=35) in 18 county jails, and prison administrators. Data, which came principally from inmate-respondents, showed that women in the Kentucky prison system were older, better educated, and less likely to have prior criminal records than men. A woman's separation from her children was considered the most traumatic aspect of institutionalization for her, and the geographical isolation of Kentucky's two state prisons was considered the single most negative factor about the women's prison system. Women in both prisons and jails were documented as having more medical problems than men; inmates in both prisons and jails complained of inadequate medical attention. Women in both prisons and jails alleged sexual harassment or assault. The majority of jails provided no vocational, educational, or extensive psychological rehabilitation programs. Results from this study led to several recommendations for change and improvement of the correctional system for women in Kentucky. (NRB)