NCJ Number
242861
Date Published
February 2013
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This policy statement by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections addresses guidelines for the identification, treatment, and institutional management of inmates diagnosed with gender identity disorder (GID).
Abstract
GID is defined by the DSM-IV:TR as a strong and persistent cross-gender identification that causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; the disturbance is not concurrent with a physical intersex condition. It is the policy of the Massachusetts Department of Correction "to appropriately diagnose, treat, and manage inmates with GID in a humane, safe, correctional environment, sensitive to their unique adjustment issues, consistent with the core values, vision, and mission of the department and its commitment to provide adequate medical care and mental health services to all inmates in its custody." This policy statement includes descriptions of the GID Clinical Supervision Group and the GID Treatment Committee; the identification and diagnosis of inmates with GID; treatment planning; reporting; security review; and management and placement. The ID Mental Health Referral Form is attached.