NCJ Number
230836
Date Published
2008
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This handbook, part of the Criminal Justice Handbook Series from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, focuses on female prisoners and the components of establishing a gender-sensitive approach to prison management.
Abstract
This handbook is a resource guide developed for use by policymakers, legislators, prison managers, prison staff, members of non-governmental organizations, and others interested and involved in the field of criminal justice and prison reform. The handbook focuses primarily on female prisoners and the components required for establishing a gender-sensitive approach to prison management. The analysis takes into account the typical background of female prisoners and considers their special needs as women in prison. The first section of the handbook has seven sections that discuss the special needs of female prisoners. These include: history of victimization and mental healthcare needs; gender specific healthcare needs; safety in prisons; accommodations and family contact; and pregnancy and women with children. The second section of the handbook contains 11 sections that discuss the management of women's prisons. These sections include safety and security; prisoner activities and programs; access to legal assistance; preparation for release and post-release support; and contact with the outside world. The third section of the handbook contains six sections that deal with reducing the female prison population by reforming legislation and practice. These sections include: legal assistance on arrest; diversion from prosecution; pre-trial detention; sentencing; discriminatory legislation and trial procedures; and foreign national women. Key recommendations for managing women's prisons and reducing the female prison population are summarized at the end of the handbook. References and a list of key international instruments