Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act

Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act

This bill establishes programs and requirements to address the health and wellness of women in the criminal justice system. For example, the bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to (1) ensure that all incarcerated women have access to basic standards of health care specific to their needs, and (2) develop and implement gender-responsive training for its officers and employees.

Bill 118 hr 2954, also known as the Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act, aims to address the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. The bill recognizes that women make up a growing proportion of the incarcerated population and have specific needs that are often overlooked.

The Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act includes provisions to improve access to gender-responsive programming and services for women in the criminal justice system. This includes mental health and substance abuse treatment, trauma-informed care, and parenting support. The bill also seeks to address the issue of shackling pregnant women during childbirth, a practice that has been widely criticized for its inhumane treatment of women.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve data collection on women in the criminal justice system to better understand their needs and experiences. This includes collecting data on the prevalence of trauma and abuse among incarcerated women, as well as the impact of incarceration on their families. Overall, the Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act seeks to promote gender equity and improve outcomes for women in the criminal justice system. By addressing the specific needs of women, the bill aims to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into society.