NCJ Number
149093
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 6- 13
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a December 1993 survey of medical services, education requirements, and visiting privileges for female inmates in the United States and Canada.
Abstract
A chart that shows health-care services for female inmates in each State indicates whether or not the State provides on-site medical staff, intake screening, yearly checkups, ob/gyn care, mental health services, prenatal/postpartum services, dental care, and psychiatric care. The chart also reports the current number of pregnant inmates, the number of babies born to inmates within the last 12 months, whether or not inmates are tested for AIDS, and the number of inmates who need substance abuse treatment. The narrative portion of the article provides information on inmate educational requirements and visiting privileges. All responding U.S. correctional systems report that female inmate health care begins with a medical screening at intake. In 47 systems, on-site medical staff tend to inmates' medical needs. Forty-four systems provide yearly health check-ups, and at least 47 systems test female inmates for AIDS under various conditions. Forty-two systems provide obstetrical and gynecological care. All responding U.S. systems offer adult basic education and GED classes to their inmates. Forty-eight systems allow contact inmate visits, and eight States provide on-site child care for visitors. All but three States provide for mother and child visits, with 24 States allowing extended child visits.