Solitary confinement is one of the most severe and destructive practices used in detention facilities. The World Health Organization, United Nations, and other international bodies have recognized solitary confinement as greatly harmful and potentially fatal. People with disabilities, pregnant people, youth, and the elderly are all at heightened risk from the harm caused by solitary confinement inside jails, prisons, and immigrant detention centers in California.
The solution is the California Mandela Act, which:
- Bans solitary confinement for specific populations including
- Individuals with mental, physical and developmental disabilities
- Pregnant people
- People under 26 or over 59 years old
- Sets limits for confinement to not more than 15 consecutive days, or 20 days total in any 60-day period
- Requires facilities to keep clear records on the use of solitary confinement in order to provide public transparency
- Defines segregated confinement in California law
The California Mandela Act does not eliminate individual housing when appropriate or necessary including after the 15-day solitary confinement limit. Instead, the bill allows individuals to be held in alternative housing units including transition pods or residential rehabilitation units if and when appropriate to ensure their safety and the safety of others, with access to out of cell time and support services.