The "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" aims 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 establishes the Division of Women's Services within the Department of Corrections, which will develop policies and programs tailored to the specific needs of female incarcerated persons, including treatment for trauma, parenting support, and structured incentives. Additionally, the bill requires the provision of doula services for pregnant incarcerated women and mandates that parenting classes and family reunification programs be available to those scheduled for release within six months.

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. This unit will be adequately funded and staffed with trained investigators, ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly examined. The bill also emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for correctional officers on gender-responsive policies and the prevention of sexual abuse and harassment, including specific training on reporting procedures and emotional support services for victims. Lastly, it requires that information regarding sexual abuse and harassment be provided to all incarcerated individuals during orientation and periodically thereafter, reinforcing the department's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on such issues.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:1B-6.13