Division of Women’s Services, Prison Rape Elimination Act Compliance Unit, Department of Corrections

3. a. There is established in the Department of Corrections the Division of Women’s Services. The commissioner shall designate a director or assistant commissioner of the division, as determined appropriate by the commissioner, and provide appropriate staff to carry out the responsibilities of the division. The department shall develop policies, programs, and services necessary to service incarcerated women and to address: (1) the specific needs of female incarcerated persons, including treatment for physical or sexual abuse or other trauma, parenting issues, and child reunification; (2) the establishment of a system of structured incentives for female incarcerated persons, including, but not limited to, the establishment of: (a) specialized housing; (b) recreational and group activities; (c) housing representatives or a listening group consisting of female incarcerated persons chosen by other female incarcerated persons to act as a liaison between correctional facility administration and the incarcerated persons population; (3) the implementation of procedures which encourage female incarcerated persons to congregate in common areas rather than in isolated cells; and (4) any other areas deemed appropriate by the commissioner. b. Within the Division of Women’s Services there is established a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Compliance Unit. The unit shall be responsible for ensuring the department is in compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, 34 U.S.C. s.30301. The commissioner shall designate an assistant commissioner of the unit and provide appropriate staff to carry out the responsibilities of the unit.