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Further Guidance Regarding the Care of Transgender Detainees Page 4 of 18 i. Pursuant to the DHS PREA Standards, searches shall be conducted in a professional and respectful manner, and in the least restrictive manner possible, consistent with security needs. At no time shall any search be conducted solely for the purpose of determining a detainee's biological sex. 3. Initial Placements a. When a detainee identifies as transgender, ERO shall make individualized placement determinations to ensure the detainee's safety. b. In determining the appropriateness of a facility to house the detainee, FRO should consider: i. Facilities within the Field Office's Area of Responsibility (AOR) that have incorporated the "ICE Detention Facility Contract Modification for Transgender Care," (See Attachment 2) and, therefore, maintain a functioning Transgender Classification and Care Committee (TCCC); ii. Facilities within the AOR that operate a Protective Custody Unit (PCU) for transgender detainees; or iii. Facilities within the AOR that demonstrate best practices in the care of Lesbian, Gay, Bi- sexual, Trausgender, or Intersex (LGBTI) detainees, to include, but not limited to: (1) the availability of medical personnel who have experience providing care and treatment to transgender detainees (to include the delivery of hormone therapy) and (2) detention facility staff who have received LGBTI Sensitivity and Awareness Training. c. If placement into a facility described in Sections 3.b.i -iii above is not practicable, the FOD shall ensure the facility chosen for placement within his or her AOR is able to appropriately care for the individual. FODs are reminded that placement into segregation should occur only when necessary and in compliance with applicable detention standards. In particular, placement into administrative segregation due to a detainee's identification as transgender should be used only as a last resort and when no other temporary housing option exists. If the facility is unable to meet these requirements, or if the detainee expresses concerns regarding his or her placement or conditions of confinement, the POD, in consultation with his or her Office of Chief Counsel, shall examine options for transfer of the detainee to a different facility. Attachment 3 lists DHS PREA and Performance Based National Detention Standards 2008 and 2011 (PBNDS) requirements related to transgender detainees. 4. Transfers: Transfers shall comply with ICE Policy 1.1022.1: Detainee Transfers (Jan. 4. 201Q. In addition, FODs should consider any transfer request made by the detainee related to his or her transgender identification. Should FODs need guidance on initial placement or subsequent transfer decisions, they are encouraged to reach out to the National ERO LGBTI Coordinator and ERO Field Operations. 65B -10