The "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" establishes comprehensive measures to enhance the rights and services available to female incarcerated individuals in New Jersey. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Corrections to implement a gender-responsive risk and needs assessment during the institutional classification process, focusing on principles such as safety, respect, and the promotion of healthy connections with family and community. It also requires the establishment of the Division of Women's Services within the Department of Corrections, which will address the specific needs of female incarcerated persons, including trauma treatment, parenting issues, and the creation of structured incentives. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of training correctional staff on gender-responsive policies and mandates the provision of doula services and support for pregnant incarcerated women.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a special victims unit within the Department of Corrections to investigate allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in state correctional facilities, ensuring that all reports are treated with dignity and confidentiality. It also enhances the training requirements for correctional officers to include specific topics related to sexual abuse and harassment, ensuring that they are equipped to handle such situations appropriately. The act aims to create a more supportive and responsive correctional environment for female inmates, ultimately promoting their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:1B-6.13