REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS Good social reintegration planning is crucial for prisoners with mental health conditions as they are likely to face particular difficulties finding employment and housing after their release, and their conditions are likely to deteriorate if they do not receive continuity of care. It is best if prison and community mental health services cooperate closely to ensure appropriate measures are in place post-release. Prisoners with physical disabilities The difficulties that people with physical disabilities face in their communities are magnified in a prison environment. They need to be allocated to suitable accommodation, including in relation to their physical environment and the availability of appropriate healthcare services. The Nelson Mandela Rules are clear that prison administrations must make all reasonable accommodation and adjustments to ensure that prisoners with physical disabilities have full and effective access to prison life on an equitable basis.111 Prisoners with disabilities should be able to participate in rehabilitation activities and services. Where existing services are not accessible to them, authorities should ensure that there are alternative measures available. For example, information and materials should be available in alternative formats such as Braille or audio. Good reintegration planning is particularly important, and prison authorities should coordinate with community organisations to help prepare prisoners with disabilities for release and to ensure continuity of care. Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex prisoners Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex prisoners are vulnerable to discrimination and abuse in prisons, including violence and sexual abuse. Prisoners are often targeted for sexual abuse because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.112 For example, one study in the US showed that, in three prisons, a quarter of female prisoners who were raped were bisexual or lesbian.113 Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex prisoners are also more likely to suffer from HIV/AIDS, problems associated with drug use, and other health conditions, including mental ill-health. Lesbian or bisexual female prisoners also risk being sanctioned for open displays of affection. Transgender women may have particular healthcare needs that are not catered for, including access to hormonal treatment. They are also at risk of being placed in solitary confinement as a ‘protective measure’. Many lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex prisoners have been ostracised from their families. Others find that their partners are not permitted to visit them. This lack of contact with families and partners, combined with the isolation they often encounter in prison, can have a negative impact on mental health and reintegration prospects. 46 | Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice | Guide to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women prisoners