Concern for CS facilities

THE lack of facilities for detainees with special needs in prisons around the country is a problem despite Correctional Services (CS) having laws in place to cater for this group of people, a senior official says.
CS commissioner Stephen Pokanis said CS laws were in place to cater for detainees with special needs such as mothers with children under three years, transgender individuals, those with mental health issues and those living with disabilities.
Pokanis said this after concerns were raised at Lae’s Buimo prison for the need to have special holding facility especially for mothers who were serving time with their children.
“Unfortunately, in many of our prisons throughout the country, this group of detainees are treated generally as prisoners living in the same facility or confinement,” he said.