2016 female diagnostics & classification fact sheet [2016], 2016 female diagnostics and classification fact sheet Female diagnostics & classification fact sheet

GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
FACILITIES DIVISION

2016 FEMALE DIAGNOSTICS & CLASSIFICATION FACT SHEET



Homer Bryson

Greg Dozier

Timothy C. Ward

Commissioner

Chief of Staff

Assistant Commissioner

Within the correctional system, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has four female state prisons, one medical facility which houses pregnant offenders, two treatment facilities and one probation detention center. There are 3,500 female offenders, which is 9% of the total state prison population. The female offender population is Georgia's fastest growing population. The Diagnostic facility is located at Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Ga.

Diagnostics Overview
Identifies all pertinent needs of an inmate entering the prison system to hopefully meet those needs to prevent the inmate from returning to prison
Conducted at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP)
History LASP remissioned as the female diagnostic facility in 2005 Process was revised in 2009; takes approx. 15 work days
Population Diagnostic inmates arrive from the county jails Monday and Wednesday All diagnostic inmates receive security classifications through the Next Generation Assessment (NGA) while in county jails awaiting assignment to GDC. Security classifications are close, medium, and minimum Diagnostic inmates transfer to other facilities on Tuesday and Thursday Diagnostic inmates receive one visitation on weekends and holidays, if they have been at LASP for six weeks Diagnostic visitation is conducted from 9:00am to 3:00pm on holidays and quarterly alternating Saturday and Sundays Diagnostic inmates usually transfer prior to being eligible for visitation, if bed space is available Upon transfer to their new facilities, diagnostic inmates become permanent inmates, remaining at the new facility until they are released or administratively transferred due to medical issues, behavioral issues or program needs
Process Inmates without disciplinary, medical or mental health issues usually complete the process in approximately 7-10 working days Staffing for the process includes a Diagnostic Director, correctional officers, doctors, nurses, counselors, mental health counselors, teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists and clerical support staff Inmates are screened for: Security threat potential (based on crime, sentence,

security threat group affiliation, escapes during all incarcerations and disciplinary histories for all incarcerations) Medical condition Mental health status Educational level Treatment programs needed or ordered by the court for the inmate to complete (i.e. Alcoholics Anony mous, Narcotics Anonymous, sexual offender counseling, substance abuse counseling) Day 1 Inmate intake Delouse Shower Locks received Hair accessories received Issue clothing and ID card Inventory property and medication Medical screen PPD test and blood work Medical review Mental health screen Housing/bed assignment
Day 2 Dental Examines Orientation Completion of orientation and parole forms Orientation videos - Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), AIDS, Right to Know, and Performance Incentive Credits (PIC) Diagnostic handbooks distributed Diagnostic testing is scheduled
Days 3-4 Pre-Parole Interviews Medical Exam
Day 5-6 Diagnostic testing Culture Fair (IQ) Academics - reading, spelling, and math

The Georgia Department of Corrections creates a safer Georgia by effectively managing offenders and providing opportunities for positive change.

Day 12-15 Final Interviews (10-20 per day) Interviews cannot be scheduled or conducted without test completion and medical clearance of inmate. Interviews assure that all areas of inmate's process are complete and to recommend custody level Case planning is completed
Day 16 Placement Inmates are either permanently assigned to LASP or transferred to one of the following: Pulaski State Prison, Emanuel Women's Facility or Whitworth Women's Facility Dependent upon bed space availability, custody levels, and medical holds
Security Levels Overview
Offenders are assigned to a security level by the NGA utilizing factors that include the offender's sentence, nature of the crime, criminal history, history of violence, medical and treatment risks and needs
The classification levels are: close, medium and minimum
CLOSE SECURITY Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below Offenders: Are escape risks Have assault histories Are considered dangerous and may have detainers for other serious crimes on file. (A detainer is a request

by another law enforcement agency to hold an offender pending other charges or actions.) May never leave the prison Require supervision at all times by a Correctional Officer
MEDIUM SECURITY Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below Offenders: Have no major adjustment problems Many may work outside the prison fence, but must remain under constant supervision Largest category of offenders
MINIMUM SECURITY Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below Offenders: Tend to abide by prison regulations Present a minimal risk of escape Have been judged to be a minimal threat to the community May work outside the fence under minimal supervision Assigned to this level often have proven to be trustworthy, cooperative and have no alcohol/drug problems Eligible for transitional centers