Pregnant inmates and wards: least restrictive restraints.

Existing law requires the Corrections Standards Authority, and commencing July 1, 2012, the Board of State and Community Corrections, to establish minimum standards for state and local correctional facilities, including standards restricting the shackling of women in labor, during childbirth, and while in recovery after giving birth, and to review those standards biennially and make any appropriate revisions, as specified. This bill would require that the standards ensure that women who are pregnant not be shackled by the wrists, ankles, around the abdomen, or to another person, including during time spent outside a correctional facility, during transport to or from a correctional facility, during labor, delivery, and while in recovery after giving birth, except that the least restrictive restraints possible may be used when deemed necessary for the inmate, consistent with the legitimate security needs of the inmate, the staff, and the public, and the restraints would only remain in place as long as the threat exists. The bill would require the authority, and later the board, to develop these standards regarding the shackling of pregnant women as part of its biennial review of its standards. Under existing law, pregnant inmates of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, wards of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities, and wards in the custody of a local juvenile facility, are to be transported in the least restrictive way possible when being taken to a hospital for purposes of childbirth. This bill would prohibit inmates and wards of these facilities who are known to be pregnant from being shackled by the wrists, ankles, around the abdomen, or to another person, unless deemed necessary for the safety and security of the inmate or ward, the staff, and the public. If restraints are deemed necessary, the bill would require the least restrictive means be used, consistent with the legitimate security needs of each inmate or ward, and the restraints would only remain in place as long as the threat exists. The bill would provide that these provisions are applicable to movement within the correctional facility, transport to and from the facility, time spent outside the facility to receive medical or dental care, to attend court, or other appointments.