BOP Program Statement 5200.06 § 7

Assessment of intellectual and cognitive disabilities is a specialized skill. Typically, institution

Psychology Services Departments do not provide routine assessment of inmates with SCRN DIS

C SENTRY codes unless the presence of an autism spectrum disorder is suspected.

Additionally, Psychology Services will assess referrals to specialized psychology treatment

programs such as Skills. Alternately, based upon the psychologist’s preliminary assessment

P5200.06 11/22/2019 7

during routine intake, a referral to the Clinical Director and/or the Education Department may be

generated for the possibility of a disability in an area best assessed by those departments.

In addition to a referral to medical or educational services, inmates with cognitive or physical

disabilities may be offered individual psychotherapy. Coping with a disability may cause

symptoms of distress, or unrelated mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders,

personality disorders, etc., may also be present; a treatment plan will be developed to fully

address these symptoms.”

If an institution has multiple inmates with disabilities, a support group may also be a component

of the treatment plan. If staffing levels allow, such groups are facilitated by Social Workers

based upon a referral from Psychology Services. At institutions with no Social Workers, the

Disabilities Program Manager in Central Office is consulted about ways to support this

population.