A Standardized Approach to Care and Housing of the Transgender Inmate
| Proposed procedures | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial evaluation and placement | Verification of biological sex status with private physical examination Inquiry into inmate's preferences for housing Complete risk assessment for inmate's safety in open population Placement in protective custody (PC) for 72 hours, if requested, and evaluation by Transgender Advisory Committee Full medical and psychiatric assessment to determine hormonal status, current medications, and mental health status | In determination of housing, ensure physical integrity and safety of inmate while taking both subjective and objective concerns into consideration Determine health status of new inmate and identify any immediate treatment needs |
| Ongoing need assessment and treatment | Provision of mental health and medical services of all modalities as indicated Ongoing evaluation of safety in housing block, placement in PC during periods of heightened risk Taking into consideration transgender (TG) inmate's gender identity when assigning officers for searches Monthly meeting of a multidisciplinary transgender advisory committee Periodic evaluation by community TG representative | Ensure appropriate access to mental health and medical care Continue to address potential safety concerns while developing safeguards to minimize the risk of unnecessary further restrictions Facilitate communication between TG inmate and prison officials |
| Aftercare planning | Identification of case management needs (e.g., outpatient medical and psychiatric services, housing) on release and arrangement of necessary follow-up services Prerelease assessment by community TG representative | Provide for smooth transition of care from correctional practitioners to outpatient providers, thereby increasing the odds of successful community reintegration and decreasing the risk of recidivism |