National Institute of Corrections Library

“This publication provides an introduction to mandatory reporting laws, and how these laws can help corrections officials respond to sexual abuse in custodial settings, both offender-on-offender and staff sexual misconduct. The importance of mandatory reporting laws cannot be overstated, given recent scandals involving the abuse of vulnerable populations, including youth. This publication provides insight into the utility of mandatory reporting laws, in light of the enactment of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA).” Sections comprising this paper are: introduction; background—the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003; mandatory reporting and juveniles—who a juvenile is, who the mandatory reporter is, what the standard of proof is, and consequences of failing to report; mandatory reporting and vulnerable persons—who a vulnerable person is, who the mandatory reporter is, what the standard of proof is, and consequences for failing to report; bringing correctional settings in line with state mandatory reporting requirements—reporting procedures, and other issues to consider such as what to report and retaliation; and conclusion. SOURCE: American University. Washington College of Law. Project on Addressing Prison Rape (Washington, DC). Authored by Smith, Brenda V.; Ponds, Loren; Loomis, Melissa .

This report is required reading for policy makers and anyone working with individuals in jail custody. Postcard-only mail policies result in “deterring written communication between incarcerated people and their communities, straining connections that are essential for both successful reintegration and for preventing reoffending. Social science research has repeatedly documented the significant social and economic value of preserving the community and family support systems that keep formerly incarcerated people from returning to jail. Postcard-only policies run contrary to prevailing correctional standards and best practices, and the vast majority of jail facilities around the country, as well as all other kinds of detention facilities, successfully implement mail security measures without imposing dramatic postcard-only restrictions” (p. 2). Sections of this report include: introduction; letter correspondence is essential for incarcerated people; postcard policies burden the families and communities of incarcerated people; postcard-only policies hinder reentry and promote recidivism; postcard-only policies run contrary to correctional best practices; post-card only policies are overbroad and have unintended consequences; rejecting postcard-only policies; and concluding remarks and recommendations. SOURCE: Prison Policy Initiative (Northampton, MA). Authored by Sakala, Leah.

“This bulletin covers key findings from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement on youth’s victimization in placement, including their experiences of theft, robbery, physical assault, and sexual assault. It presents the details of youth’s reports about these victimization experiences, indicating the prevalence and frequency of victimization, the perpetrators involved, the use of weapons, and any injuries resulting from the victimization” (p. 1). Forty-six percent of the youth had personal property stolen, with 56% experiencing more than one of the victimization types investigated. Independent predictors of victimization used are: ineffective grievance process; any prior abuse; experiences of physical control methods; percentage in living unit who say rules are not applies fairly; age; use of makeshift beds; learning disability; length of stay in current facility; youth is among the most serious offenders in living unit; frequency of family contacts; and poor programming. SOURCE: U.S. Dept. of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) (Washington, DC). Authored by Sedlak, Andrea J.; McPherson, Karla S.; Basena, Monica.