NCJ Number
101482
Date Published
1985
Length
117 pages
Annotation
A task force established to examine the needs of Hispanic inmates in New York's correctional facilities recommended many changes in programs and services.
Abstract
The needs assessment focused on health services, legal services, education and libraries, services before and after release, staffing needs, and the needs of Hispanic female inmates. More than one-fourth of the total inmate population in New York's adult correctional institutions is of Hispanic descent. Hispanic inmates have health problems common to all inmates, as well as unique problems, especially vulnerability to tuberculosis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Substance abuse and potential suicide also need added attention. All inmates also need annual physical examinations. Although extensive legal assistance is available to inmates, many Hispanic inmates are undocumented aliens and Hispanic inmates often have difficulty understanding the American legal system. All legal forms need translation into Spanish. The New York State Department of Correctional Services should improve its educational programming directed at non-English speaking inmates. The prerelease program called Network should be conducted in Spanish in facilities with at least 100 Hispanic inmates. These inmates also need Spanish guidebooks on services in the community. Correctional staff should receive sensitivity training as well as inservice training on the special needs of Hispanic female inmates. A description of current services, data tables, footnotes, and appended tables and map.