NCJ Number
221314
Date Published
March 2006
Length
159 pages
Annotation
The Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland (Australia) reports on its examination of the impact of Queensland's prison system on women inmates and offers recommendations for improving their conditions and programs in compliance with Australian and international human rights law.
Abstract
The report expresses concern that classification instruments and procedures for women inmates exaggerate the security risk posed by women inmates and generally are biased against women prisoners who are Indigenous and those with a mental illness. It recommends new legislation, policy, and procedures that will ensure that the classification tool accurately measures the security risk of women prisoners and does not discriminate against various minority groups. The report also concludes that the needs of the children of women prisoners are not being adequately addressed. The best interests of these children are not reflected in the sentencing of women nor in the treatment of women and their children during prison terms. Recommended legislative reform focuses on ensuring the best interests of children of women offenders are taken into account, both in sentencing and in the prison system. The Commission also concludes that many women with mental illness are inappropriately housed in prison while their mental health needs are ignored. The report notes that women prisoners have a much higher rate of mental health problems than male inmates. The report recommends an increase in resources for mental health services in the correctional system and changes in the procedures of crisis support units. Another major finding is that Indigenous women are at risk of discrimination in prison, because the prison system does not tailor services to their distinctive needs. The report suggests alternatives to prison and postrelease transitional support services for Indigenous women that reflect the cultural values of Indigenous communities. Appended bibliography and lists of submissions received, prison visits, and interviews