Developing Policies for Adult Sexual Minorities with Mental Health Needs in Secured Settings

Chapter 31 - Developing Policies for Adult Sexual Minorities with Mental Health Needs in Secured Settings

from Part V - Criminal Justice and Social Considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 October 2021

Juan Carlos Arguello

Edited by

Katherine Warburton and

Stephen M. Stahl

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Katherine Warburton: Affiliation:
University of California, Davis
Stephen M. Stahl: Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego

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Summary

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people, are more likely to be disproportionally placed in a secured setting. Secured settings such jails, prisons, and forensic hospitals can be traumatizing, hostile, and dangerous – especially for those who are transgender, which is only compounded when responsive and appropriate policies, procedures and training are not in place to maintain safety, privacy, and dignity. All LGBT residents, and more importantly those suffering from mental illness, who are in secured environments should be free of discrimination, victimization, and abuse. They should have equal access to safe housing, vocational programs, rehabilitation services, as well as medical and mental health treatments. Many organizations such as National Center for Transgender Equality, National Institute of Corrections (NIC), the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and The Joint Commission (TJC) provide guidelines to ensure that LGBT residents are protected.

Type: Chapter
Information: Decriminalizing Mental Illness , pp. 315 - 320

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108920698 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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