NCJ Number
229058
Date Published
2009
Length
190 pages
Annotation
Intended for use by all actors in the criminal justice system and other individuals involved or interested in prison reform, this handbook addresses the special needs of eight groups of prisoners who require in-prison services tailored to their needs.
Abstract
The eight groups of prisoners are those with mental illnesses; those with disabilities; ethnic and racial minorities, including indigenous people; older prisoners; prisoners with terminal illnesses; prisoners under the death penalty; foreign national prisoners; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender prisoners. The format for each chapter that addresses one of the eight groups consists of six sections. One section provides a definition of the group and an overview of the group's situation in criminal justice systems worldwide. A second section provides an overview of the special needs and challenges in responding to the special needs of the group. The third section presents extracts from relevant international standards for providing services to the group. A fourth section comments on legislative measures and the implementation of alternatives to prison for the group. In the two remaining sections, prison management guidelines specify ways to respond to the special needs of the group in prison, and recommendations for policymakers, legislators, and prison authorities are summarized. Although the handbook provides recommendations regarding the use of noncustodial measures and sanctions for each group, it does not provide guidelines on the principles, procedures, and techniques related to these alternatives; related publications are cited, however. The handbook advises that it does not provide general guidance on prison management. Rather, it highlights only those areas of prison management relevant to the eight groups of special-needs prisoners. 67 listings of references and complementary readings categorized by each special-needs prisoner group