Objective A: Develop a Department of Corrections psychiatric assessment and treatment unit for female mentally ill offenders.

Discussion

Mentally ill females incarcerated in Department of Corrections facilities are housed either with the general population or in "segregation" beds. They do not have access to 24 hour care (psychiatric assessment, supervision, and appropriate mental health treatment and programming). Although medications are available, adequate treatment services are not available for these consumers. Any mental condition will be exacerbated by spending 23 hours a day in solitary confinement. A female unit needs to be established that will meet the Cleary standards which defined the current services for male inmates.

Actions

334. The Department of Corrections will continue to work with the Alaska Mental Health Board, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the Legislature to fund a mental health unit for female offenders.
Responsible party: Department of Corrections