SOP_NUMBER: 508.17
TITLE: Identification of Offenders with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse
REFERENCE_CODE: VG33-0001
DIVISION: Health Services Division (Mental Health)
TOPIC_AREA: 508 Policy - Mental Health Evaluations/Screenings/Treatment
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2019-12-26
WORD_COUNT: 511
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106279
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/508.17/

SUMMARY:
This policy requires the Georgia Department of Corrections to identify, refer, and provide mental health treatment to offenders with histories of physical or sexual abuse. During initial screening, all offenders are assessed for abuse victimization, and those reporting positive histories are informed of available treatment options and referred to specially trained counselors. Facilities must maintain adequate numbers of trained mental health staff and offer programs addressing trauma, childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

KEY_TOPICS: abuse history screening, trauma-informed care, sexual abuse survivors, physical abuse victims, mental health treatment, specially trained counselors, victim services, initial assessment, trauma therapy, domestic violence, rape victims, mental health programs, offender mental health

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Identification of Offenders with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|**Policy Name:**Identification of Offenders with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|**Policy Name:**Identification of Offenders with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|
|**Policy Number:** 508.17|**Effective Date:** 12/26/2019|**Page Number:** 1 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Health Services Division<br>(Mental Health)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**

It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) to identify, refer and
treat offenders who are in need of mental health services due to a sexual or physical
abuse history.


**II.** **Authority:**

A. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS): 508.22 Mental Health Management of

Suspected Sexual Abuse, Contact or Harassment; 507.04.84 Medical Management of
Suspected Sexual Abuse (Females); and 507.04.91 Medical Management of
Suspected Sexual Assault, Abuse or Harassment (Males).

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Specially Trained Counselor**    - Any mental health counselor, or licensed clinical

consultant (psychiatrist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), psychologist,
social worker, counselor) who has successfully completed the Georgia Department
of Corrections Sexual Assault Counseling Training Program or who has a
comparable combination of training and experience approved by the Statewide
Mental Health Program Supervisor/designee.

**IV** . **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. During the initial screening procedure, offenders will be assessed for a history of

victimization by physical, and/or sexual abuse;

B. If an offender reports a positive history of abuse and is in need of mental health

services, that offender will be referred to a Specially Trained Counselor in the area of
abuse and informed of treatment options;

C. If an offender reports a positive history but does not wish to receive services, the

offender will be informed that they can make a request at a later date;

D. It will be the responsibility of the Mental Health Unit Manager to ensure there is a

sufficient number of trained Specially Trained Counselors in the area of physical and
sexual abuse. In the absence of a Specially Trained Counselor, a psychologist can
provide individual therapy;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Offenders Identified with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|**Policy Name:**Offenders Identified with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|**Policy Name:**Offenders Identified with a History of Physical or Sexual Abuse|
|**Policy Number:** 508.17|**Effective Date:** 12/26/2019|**Page Number:** 2 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Health Services Division<br>(Mental Health)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



E. It will be the responsibility of the Mental Health Unit Manager to ensure there are

ample mental health programs (e.g., group(s) for trauma victims that could be
facilitated by mental health counselors privileged to conduct the group(s));

F. Mental health treatment programs should include but not be limited to programs for

those impacted by:


1. Childhood physical or sexual abuse;

2.  Battered spouses; and

3. Rape victims.

G. Offenders at any time can request evaluation for treatment due to a history of abuse.

**V.** **Attachments:**

None.

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**

None.