A N A C T
RELATING TO THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 42-56 of the General Laws entitled "Corrections Department" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
42-56-20.5. Establishment of a women's transitional housing facility. -- (a) There shall be established within the department of corrections a women's transitional housing facility that shall operate as a re-entry program for women as part of their prison sentence, available only to women who participate in treatment while incarcerated. The house will be a staff secure facility with twenty-four (24) hour seven (7) day per week supervision. Security measures will include an alarm system, bed checks, work/school/home visits, random urine tests and room searches. While in the program, offenders will work with staff and probation counselors to develop plans for follow-up service and activities after release. Upon discharge, probation counselors will monitor follow-up plans in conjunction with case managers.
(b) The re-entry program shall consist of life training skills including, but not limited to, parenting, money management, housing and employment, with an emphasis on vocational and educational assessment counseling, training, and job development and placement. In addition, the program shall offer alcoholism/addictive treatment, health education, group and family counseling, parenting education, counseling for sexual abuse, and domestic violence and mental health care.
(c) There shall be acquired an appropriate residential unit to house twelve (12) to fifteen (15) women, consisting of at least eight (8) bedrooms sufficient to house two (2) women each, a dining area and kitchen to seat up to fifteen (15) women, visiting areas, children's visiting space, group and individual treatment rooms, and administrative areas for staff and records.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
