Corrections_Today_May_June_2019

Health Care Special Session & Luncheon

LGBTI individuals. “The movement to reduce [their] number continues, but huge challenges re- main.” Brockmann noted that it was crucial to focus on the needs of incarcerated LGBTI adults. “Note again the high rate of victimization of LGBT pris- oners. We emphasize in both guide books [about incarcerated LGBTI youth and adults] that vulner- ability is the key marker to watch out for, and that either identifying or being perceived as LGBT is a sign of vulnerability. Which isn’t to say that there can’t be predators among LGBTI inmates.” Brockmann said that the “increased risk of sexual victimization per the Bureau of Justice Statistics is why the criminal justice system must address LGBTI individuals, indeed all vulnerable youth.” This victimization comes from a variety of sources in the lives of these youths, including overrepresentation, family rejection and homeless- ness, school harassment and youth and race. The presentation revealed that LGBT youth make up 20 to 40 percent of all homeless youth, particularly in big cities; a national survey of agencies that provides services to homeless youth found that 40 percent of clientele are LGBT youth; LGBT youth reported high levels of verbal and physical harass- ment, along with cyberbullying. The presentation also revealed that white, black and Latino youth are all equally likely to be LGBTQI/GNC. Brockmann added, “Racial disparities in school systems and over-representation of youth of color

in school disciplinary proceedings expose non- white LGBTQI youth to particular harm.” Brockmann continued with significant legal developments and considerations including the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). In 2012, the Department of Justice released national standards aimed at eliminating sexual abuse in correctional institutions and facilities. Brockmann said, “PREA bears directly, of course, on what we are discuss- ing today. It has specific provisions that cover trans inmates and detainees. PREA isn’t perfect by any means, but overall, it was a major step for- ward. And for its flaws, it represents the first step toward genuine national standards for all confine- ment facilities, which is one of the ACA’s goals across all areas of corrections. For which I applaud you — loudly.” Brockmann closed with a couple consider- ations for the audience, “The key part of what I would like to offer you, for your consideration, is how best to develop and implement new poli- cies: the need to investigate and understand the institutional culture in any facility that is trying to develop policies and practices that relate to using better practices involving LGBTI populations.” He added, “What’s critically important in setting institutional culture is how everyone who works at the institution is treated as well.”

2019 Winter Conference

— Molly Law

42 — May/June 2019 Corrections Today