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Different Pathways, Different Responses: Female Impaired Drivers in the Justice System
SESSION INFO
Monday, August 17, 2026
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Session Type: Workshop
Female impaired drivers are a growing presence in the justice system, yet their pathways to offending often differ in meaningful ways from those of men. Women are more likely to present with histories of trauma, higher rates of co-occurring mental health disorders, substance use linked to coping and relationships, and complex caregiving responsibilities. These factors shape not only why women engage in impaired driving, but also how they respond to court mandates, supervision, and treatment. Despite this, many system responses remain largely gender-neutral, limiting their effectiveness with this population. This workshop focuses on bridging the gap between understanding and practice. Participants will explore the distinct risk-needs-responsivity profiles of female impaired drivers and examine how these differences impact compliance, engagement, and recidivism. The session will highlight how traditional approaches may unintentionally overlook key drivers of behavior and identify opportunities to adapt responses without compromising accountability or public safety.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Hon. Kate Huffman
American Bar Association National Judicial Fellow, American Bar Association
Judge Huffman received her B.A. in political science from Wright State University and her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, graduating summa cum laude from each institution, and an M.A. in Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada; she earned Certificates in Judicial Development - General Jurisdiction Trial Skills and Judicial Development - Dispute Resolution Skills from the National Judicial College. Judge Huffman is a member of the Innovative Specialized Docket Committee and the Criminal Law and Procedure Committees of the Ohio Judicial Conference. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Judicial College. Judge Huffman completed two terms on the Commission for the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Ohio Supreme Court, and served as Chair of that Commission from 2021-2022. She recently chaired the Ohio Supreme Court Task Force to Examine Ohio’s Bail System. Judge Huffman teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Dayton School of Law and on the faculty of the National Judicial College. She currently serves as the American Bar Association Judicial Fellow and frequently provides continuing legal education programs around the country.
Gwyn Kaitis
Program Analyst, American Probation and Parole Association
Gwyn Kaitis is a Program Analyst with American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), where she manages a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-funded initiative focused on improving responses to impaired driving within community supervision systems. With over four years at APPA, Ms. Kaitis has led and supported a range of grant-funded national projects aimed at strengthening evidence-based practices for justice-involved populations. Ms. Kaitis holds a master’s degree in counseling and brings extensive experience working with both adults and youth who have been impacted by violence and trauma. Her professional background includes serving as Policy Director for the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, organization Executive Director, and has served as Vice President of the National Association of Crisis Center Directors.
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