The Special Considerations Housing form lets you request to be housed in: 

• Female facility (RMSC) 
• The Special Considerations Unit (SCU) in RMSC*; or  
• Male facility**

* The Special Considerations Unit, also known as SCU, is a dorm-styled unit within RMSC that houses primarily transgender, gender nonbinary, or intersex people. You can ask for placement in general population in RMSC, or more specifically into the SCU housing unit within RMSC. You can check more than one box. 

** DOC has several men’s facilities. OBCC has a programming unit called Harmony House, which offers LGBTQ-specific programming. Harmony House is not an LGBTQ-specific housing unit, but its LGBTQ-specific programming attracts more LGBTQ+ people, particularly gay, bisexual, and queer cisgender men. 

You may request gender-aligned housing if you identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, or intersex. You do not need medical or legal documents to prove your gender. Note that DOC facilities are designated as either male or female. 

You may ask during intake or at any time while you are in DOC custody. 

• Calling #1010 through the DOC phone and asking for DOC LGBTQ+ Affairs to provide you with the Special Considerations Housing Form; 
• Finding the LGBTQ+ folder on the tablet and completing the LGBTQI+ Information Form; or 
• Asking Correctional Health Services (CHS) staff to connect you with DOC LGBTQ+ Affairs. 
• Asking any intake or PREA staff. 

Explain: 

• where you feel safest and why; 
• your gender identity and pronouns; 
• any threats, harassment, violence, sexual victimization, misgendering, or other safety problems you have experienced; 
• if applicable, whether you have been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria or received gender-affirming care, such as hormones;  
• and any other facts that support your request. 

DOC will forward your form to the Special Considerations Determination Unit (SCDU). 

The SCDU is a committee that reviews your request and decides whether to approve or deny the transfer request. Some things they may consider are safety concerns, disciplinary history, criminal history, and PREA information. 

DOC policy says SCDU must provide its written housing decision within 3 business days, not counting holidays, and give you written notice of the decision. In practice, DOC may take longer. A delay does not mean you should stop following up. Keep reaching out to LGBTQ+ Affairs for updates and to obtain the written decision. 

Ask for a Special Considerations Housing Reconsideration Form. Submit it within 30 days of the date of your denial, and include any new or supporting information. 

With the Special Considerations Housing Reconsideration Form, you may submit any helpful information or materials you want DOC to consider.  

Helpful materials may include: 

• letters from medical or mental health providers, community organizations, family, friends, or others who can speak about your gender identity or safety needs; 
• incident reports, medical requests, or other records related to your housing or safety; and 
• information or documents that respond to the reasons DOC gave for denying your request. 

If DOC removes you from gender-aligned housing, you can request a transfer back by submitting a new Special Considerations Housing Form. Under DOC policy, you must wait 3 months after removal before submitting a new request. 

• Staff should use your preferred name and pronouns listed on the Special Considerations Housing Form.
• You may state on the Special Considerations Housing Form whether you prefer searches by women, men, or have no preference. DOC should follow your choice for pat searches and strip searches unless there is an emergency. 
• No search may be done for the sole purpose of observing your genital characteristics.
• You have a right to access gender-affirming garments and gender-affirming care regardless of where you are housed. Contact DOC’s LGBTQ+ Affairs and your medical provider for more information. 

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.