FMC Carswell Federal Medical Center

Designated to FMC Carswell or advocating for a medical designation? Call or Text 612-605-3989 for a confidential consultation.

FMC Carswell Overview

Federal Medical Center, Carswell occupies the northeast corner of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (formerly Carswell Air Force Base) in Fort Worth, Texas. The facility sits within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States — making it accessible for visiting but located behind a military security perimeter that adds an additional layer of access control beyond what most federal prisons require ([3]).

The main institution is a five-story building originally constructed as a military hospital. It was converted and opened in 1994 as the BOP’s only Federal Medical Center specifically designed to serve female inmates with serious medical and mental health needs ([4]). Before Carswell opened, women requiring specialized federal medical care were sent to federal prison hospitals that also served male prisoners — an arrangement that presented obvious safety and logistical challenges. The creation of FMC Carswell gave the BOP a dedicated facility where women could receive ongoing medical, surgical, and psychiatric treatment in a gender-appropriate environment.

The facility complex includes two distinct components:

Because FMC Carswell is an administrative facility, it does not correspond to a single security level. Instead, it houses women classified at every security level — from minimum-security white-collar offenders recovering from surgery to maximum-security inmates with severe psychiatric conditions — all within the same compound. The main five-story building has an original capacity of approximately 600 inmates but routinely operates well above that number. The adjacent minimum-security camp houses inmates who do not require ongoing medical care and are classified as minimum security. The camp operates with less physical security — no perimeter fencing — and offers more freedom of movement and access to programs including RDAP.

FMC Carswell also contains a Special Housing Unit (SHU) and an administrative unit for inmates who require separation from general population for safety, disciplinary, or protective reasons. In the past, the facility housed women on federal death row — including Lisa Montgomery, who was executed at FCC Terre Haute on January 13, 2021, after being held at Carswell ([4]).

Medical Services at FMC Carswell

As the BOP’s only dedicated medical center for women, FMC Carswell provides a range of healthcare services that are not available at standard federal prisons. The facility is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the American Correctional Association (ACA) — accreditations that require the facility to meet external standards for patient care, safety, and facility operations ([3]).

Medical services at FMC Carswell include:

• Primary Care and Internal Medicine — routine medical care, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis), preventive health screenings, and medication management
• Women’s Health and OB/GYN — gynecological care, prenatal services, mammography, cervical cancer screening, and reproductive health management
• Mental Health Services — psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and treatment for serious mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and PTSD
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment — Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, integrated with mental health care
• Dental Services — general dentistry, restorative work, and emergency dental care
• Surgical Services — on-site surgical capabilities for procedures that would otherwise require outside hospitalization
• Chronic Care Clinics — structured programs for ongoing management of chronic conditions with regular monitoring, lab work, and specialist follow-up
• Comprehensive Eye Care — optometry and ophthalmology services
• Pain Management — structured pain management protocols for inmates with chronic pain conditions
• Pulmonary Health — respiratory care including treatment for asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions
• Nutrition and Dietary Services — medical diets, nutritional counseling, and diabetes dietary management
• Pharmacy — full on-site pharmacy with formulary management and specialty medications

The facility operates a sick call system where inmates can request medical attention by submitting a written request. Urgent and emergency medical needs are handled outside the standard sick call schedule. For medical conditions that exceed FMC Carswell’s on-site capabilities, inmates can be referred to community hospitals and specialists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — a significant advantage of the facility’s metropolitan location compared to more remote BOP institutions ([3]).

Why Women Are Sent to FMC Carswell

Women are designated to FMC Carswell because their medical or mental health needs exceed what a standard BOP facility can provide. The BOP classifies inmate medical needs on a scale from Care Level 1 (healthy, requiring only routine preventive care) through Care Level 4 (requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care or inpatient psychiatric services). Inmates classified at Care Levels 3 and 4 — those needing frequent clinical contacts, enhanced medical care, significant mental health intervention, or chronic care management — are typically designated to Federal Medical Centers. Because Carswell is the only FMC for women, all female inmates at these higher care levels end up there.

Common medical profiles of women designated to FMC Carswell include:

• Inmates with serious chronic diseases requiring ongoing specialist management (cancer, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS with complications, advanced diabetes)
• Inmates with serious mental illness requiring psychiatric medication management and therapeutic intervention
• Inmates with physical disabilities requiring accessible housing and assistive medical equipment
• Inmates recovering from major surgery or needing surgical procedures during incarceration
• Inmates with co-occurring medical and mental health conditions that require integrated treatment
• Elderly inmates with multiple chronic conditions and declining functional capacity
• Inmates requiring competency evaluations or restoration ordered by federal courts

Daily Life at FMC Carswell

Daily life at FMC Carswell follows the structured schedule common to all BOP facilities, but with important differences driven by the facility’s medical mission and its all-female population. The facility operates on a controlled-movement schedule with formal inmate counts conducted multiple times per day — typically at midnight, 3:00 AM, 5:00 AM (standing count), 4:00 PM (standing count), and 10:00 PM. All movement and activities stop during counts, and inmates must be visible in their assigned bunks or cells.

Housing

Housing at FMC Carswell varies significantly depending on which part of the complex an inmate is assigned to:

• Main facility (five-story building) — a mix of cells and open wards configured for medical care. Medical housing units resemble hospital wards more than traditional prison cells. Inmates with acute medical needs are housed closer to treatment areas. General population housing within the main facility uses standard BOP cell configurations with two-person cells.
• Administrative Unit / SHU — single-occupancy cells for inmates in administrative segregation, protective custody, or disciplinary confinement. Inmates in the SHU are confined to their cells approximately 23 hours per day with limited out-of-cell time for recreation and showers.
• Satellite Prison Camp — open dormitory-style barracks housing without cells or locked doors. Camp inmates have significantly more freedom of movement and a less regimented daily routine. The camp has its own housing units, dining, and recreation areas separate from the main facility.

Meals and Commissary

Meals are served in a communal dining area on a set schedule — typically breakfast from 6:00 to 6:30 AM, lunch from 10:30 to 11:00 AM, and dinner from 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Inmates with medical dietary needs (diabetic diets, cardiac diets, food allergies) receive modified meal trays as prescribed by Health Services. Inmates in the SHU receive meal trays delivered to their cells.

The commissary at FMC Carswell operates on a weekly shopping schedule assigned by housing unit. Inmates can purchase food items (snacks, instant meals, beverages), personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, writing supplies, postage, and limited electronics. The monthly spending limit is $360, though over-the-counter medications and stamps do not count toward the cap. The commissary list includes items such as trail mix, dried fruit, protein bars, instant coffee, shampoo, and electronic media players ([1]).

Recreation

FMC Carswell provides both indoor and outdoor recreation options for medically able inmates. Recreation areas include:

• Outdoor recreation yard — walking track, sports courts, and open space for exercise
• Indoor recreation — fitness equipment (stationary bikes, ellipticals, free weights), table games, television viewing areas
• Arts and crafts workshops — painting, drawing, crochet, and other creative activities
• Leisure library — fiction, non-fiction, legal reference materials, and magazines
• Music and cultural programs — holiday events, cultural celebrations, and organized group activities

Access to outdoor recreation may be limited for inmates with mobility issues, serious medical conditions, or those housed in the SHU. The medical mission of the facility means that a significant portion of the population has physical limitations that affect their ability to participate in standard recreation activities.

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FMC Carswell are required to work unless they are participating in full-time education or vocational training programs. Common work assignments include:

• Food service — meal preparation, serving, and kitchen maintenance
• Facilities maintenance — cleaning, landscaping, laundry, and building upkeep
• UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) — manufacturing and service jobs that pay higher wages than institutional assignments
• Health Services support — orderly positions assisting in medical units (non-clinical tasks)
• Education department support — tutoring, library aide, and classroom assistant positions
• Unit orderly — housing unit cleaning and maintenance

Inmates with medical restrictions may receive work limitations or be placed on medical idle status by Health Services. Work assignments at the camp are generally more desirable, with outdoor maintenance, landscaping, and groundskeeping common.

Communication

Inmates at FMC Carswell communicate with the outside world through several monitored channels:

• TRULINCS email — the BOP’s electronic messaging system. Inmates can send and receive text-only emails from contacts on their approved list. Messages are monitored. There is a per-minute charge deducted from the inmate’s commissary account.
• Phone calls — inmates receive 300 minutes per month of telephone time (roughly 10 minutes per day). Calls are placed from shared phones in housing units during designated times. All calls (except attorney-client calls) are recorded and subject to monitoring.
• Video visits — the BOP’s video visiting program allows remote visits via tablet or computer. These supplement in-person visits and are especially valuable for families who live far from Fort Worth.
• Traditional mail — inmates can send and receive letters and approved publications through the U.S. Postal Service. All incoming mail is inspected.

Programs at FMC Carswell

FMC Carswell offers a range of programs designed to address the educational, vocational, substance abuse, and reentry needs of its population. Several programs qualify for First Step Act (FSA) time credits, which can advance an inmate’s release date to supervised release.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is available at FMC Carswell’s adjacent satellite prison camp. RDAP is the BOP’s intensive, evidence-based treatment program for inmates with documented substance use disorders. It is a voluntary, 500-hour, 9-month residential program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, trauma processing, and individual counseling.

Successful completion of RDAP can result in up to a 12-month reduction in sentence for eligible inmates, making it one of the most impactful programs in the federal system. Eligibility requires a verifiable substance use disorder documented in the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) or other clinical records. Inmates must typically have 24 to 36 months remaining on their sentence to participate.

After completing the residential phase, participants enter the community treatment program during their time in a halfway house or on home confinement, providing continued support during the transition back to the community.

Education Programs

FMC Carswell’s Education Department offers programs at multiple levels:

• Literacy and GED preparation — the BOP mandates that inmates without a high school diploma participate in GED classes for at least 240 hours or until they pass the exam
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — for non-native English speakers
• Post-secondary education — college-level coursework available through partnerships with educational organizations. The Level program (formerly Ashland University programs) offers college courses at FMC Carswell including entrepreneurship, computer science, and job training ([6])
• Parenting education — courses designed to help incarcerated mothers maintain relationships with their children and prepare for family reunification
• Life skills and financial literacy — budgeting, employment readiness, and practical skills for reentry

Vocational Training

Vocational programs provide job skills training that can qualify for FSA time credits. Specific offerings vary by period but have historically included:

• Computer applications and technology skills
• Business education and office administration
• Horticulture and landscaping
• Food service management (ServSafe certification)
• Cosmetology (at select BOP female facilities)

Women-Specific Programs

As an all-female facility, FMC Carswell offers programming specifically designed for women’s needs. The BOP’s Female Offender Manual (Program Statement 5200.02) mandates gender-responsive programming for female inmates, including those in restrictive housing and in Carswell’s administrative unit ([7]). These programs include:

• Trauma-informed care programming — a significant percentage of incarcerated women have histories of physical and sexual abuse. Trauma-specific programs address PTSD, abuse recovery, and healthy coping mechanisms
• Parenting from prison — programs that facilitate mother-child bonding through structured activities, video visits with children, and parenting skills development
• Relationship skills — addressing patterns of unhealthy relationships, domestic violence awareness, and healthy boundary-setting
• Reentry preparation for women — addressing the specific challenges women face in reentry including child custody issues, housing instability, employment barriers, and accessing community resources

First Step Act Programs and Time Credits

The First Step Act of 2018 created a system where inmates can earn time credits by participating in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and productive activities. These credits can advance an eligible inmate’s release to supervised release (halfway house or home confinement). At FMC Carswell, FSA-eligible programs include RDAP, vocational training, education courses, cognitive behavioral programs, and various life skills programs. The BOP’s First Step Act Approved Programs Guide lists FMC Carswell as an approved location for multiple FSA-credited programs ([8]).

Not all inmates are eligible for FSA time credits — certain offenses are excluded, and inmates must meet classification and risk assessment criteria. Understanding your FSA eligibility and strategically enrolling in credited programs can significantly impact your release timeline. This is an area where post-conviction consulting provides substantial value.

Who Gets Designated to FMC Carswell

Designation to FMC Carswell is controlled by the BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas. The DSCC makes all initial facility designation decisions for federal inmates nationwide. For women, the DSCC evaluates several factors when determining whether to designate an inmate to FMC Carswell versus one of the other approximately 17 BOP facilities that house female offenders ([9]).

The key factors in a Carswell designation include:

1. Medical care level — the single most important factor. Women classified at BOP Care Level 3 or 4 will almost certainly be designated to Carswell because no other female facility provides that level of medical care. Women at Care Level 2 with specific medical needs may also be designated there.
2. Mental health care level — women requiring intensive mental health treatment, psychiatric medication management, or inpatient psychiatric care are designated to Carswell. This includes women requiring competency evaluation or restoration.
3. Security classification — because Carswell is administrative, it accepts all security levels. However, women classified at high security are generally housed at Carswell regardless of medical needs because it is one of very few BOP facilities equipped to house high-security female inmates.
4. Proximity to release residence — the BOP attempts to place inmates within 500 miles of their release residence when possible. However, because Carswell is the only FMC for women, medical need overrides proximity. Women are sent to Carswell from every part of the country.
5. Bed availability — chronic overcrowding affects designation timing. Women may be placed on a waiting list for Carswell transfer.

Typical Profiles of Women Designated to FMC Carswell

Based on our experience and public reporting, women designated to FMC Carswell typically fall into several categories:

• Women with chronic illnesses that require ongoing specialist care not available at standard FCIs (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, women with serious cardiac or endocrine conditions)
• Women with serious mental illness requiring psychiatric hospitalization, medication management with frequent monitoring, or court-ordered competency evaluation
• Women with physical disabilities requiring wheelchair-accessible housing, assistive devices, or regular physical therapy
• High-security female inmates whose security classification requires a facility equipped to handle that level of supervision
• Women on pretrial detention or holdover status in the Northern District of Texas
• Elderly inmates with multiple comorbidities and declining functional capacity

Safety Concerns and Institutional Scrutiny

FMC Carswell has been the subject of serious and sustained criticism regarding the safety of women incarcerated there — particularly regarding sexual abuse by staff members. This is an issue that families and defendants must be aware of when preparing for designation to this facility.

Staff Sexual Misconduct

Since 1997, at least 13 staff members at FMC Carswell have been convicted of sexual abuse and misconduct against female inmates ([10]). Convicted staff have included corrections officers, a chaplain, and other personnel. Notable cases include:

• In 2004, corrections officer Michael Lawrence Miller was convicted of raping a prisoner at the facility ([4])
• In 2008, Vincent Inametti, a chaplain at FMC Carswell, was convicted of sexual abuse of female inmates — a case that drew national attention because of the perpetrator’s religious role within the institution ([4])
• Additional convictions between 2006 and 2023 involved officers and staff in positions of authority over vulnerable, medically compromised women

Senate Investigation (2022)

In December 2022, the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Senator Jon Ossoff, released a bipartisan staff report titled “Sexual Abuse of Female Inmates in Federal Prisons.” The investigation found that from 2012 to 2022, FMC Carswell had the highest number of sexual abuse allegations of any federal women’s prison in the country ([2]). The report documented at least 22 women sexually assaulted at Carswell during that period. The subcommittee’s findings pointed to systemic issues: inadequate investigation of complaints, retaliation against women who reported abuse, and a culture within the BOP that failed to protect inmates from staff predators.

Congressional Calls for Action

In 2022, U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (whose congressional district includes Fort Worth) called on the House Judiciary Committee to investigate conditions at FMC Carswell, describing the facility’s record as reflecting “horrors” that demanded congressional scrutiny. Between 2014 and 2018, the facility had the highest number of allegations of sexual assault and abuse of women by staff of any facility in the Bureau of Prisons ([11]).

Ongoing Concerns

As recently as December 2025, The Guardian reported that 11 women at FMC Carswell alleged ongoing sexual abuse by staff members, with complaints spanning the previous seven years. The women alleged that prison officials had “turned a blind eye” to their reports. Lawsuits filed against the BOP detailed specific incidents of abuse and described a pattern of inadequate institutional response to sexual misconduct allegations ([10]).

BOP Director Colette Peters has stated a commitment to enhancing prevention of sexual misconduct and changing the culture within Bureau facilities. The BOP has implemented additional training, enhanced PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) compliance measures, and increased oversight at FMC Carswell specifically. However, advocacy organizations and former inmates continue to report that systemic problems persist.

Notable Inmates

FMC Carswell has housed several high-profile female federal inmates, reflecting its unique role as the only FMC for women in the system:

Visiting FMC Carswell

Visiting is one of the most important ways that families can support an incarcerated loved one, and the BOP’s own research shows that inmates who maintain family connections during incarceration have better outcomes after release. Understanding the visiting rules and logistics at FMC Carswell helps families make the most of their visits.

Visiting Hours and Schedule

Visiting hours at FMC Carswell for the FCI (main facility) and satellite prison camp are:

Inmates housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) have different, more restricted visiting schedules. The Warden may modify or cancel visiting at any time due to severe weather, security concerns, or institutional emergencies. Always call the facility at 817-782-4000 before traveling to confirm the visiting schedule is in effect ([1]).

Visiting Rules and Procedures

Key visiting rules that families need to know:

• Visitor approval required — all visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before visiting. The inmate submits a visiting list request, and the BOP conducts a background check on each proposed visitor. This process takes several weeks.
• Dress code — visitors must dress conservatively. No shorts above the knee, no tank tops, no revealing clothing, no clothing that resembles BOP uniforms (khaki or green). Undergarments are required. Violations result in being turned away.
• Identification — visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
• Prohibited items — no cell phones, cameras, recording devices, weapons, drugs, tobacco, food, or beverages may be brought into the facility. Lockers are available for storing personal items.
• Children — minor children are permitted to visit when accompanied by an approved adult visitor. Children must be supervised at all times.
• Contact visits — general population inmates typically receive contact visits (visitors and inmates share a common space, a brief embrace is permitted at the beginning and end of the visit). SHU inmates may receive non-contact visits through a partition.
• Military base access — because FMC Carswell is located on a military base, visitors must pass through the base’s security gate. This may require additional identification and vehicle inspection. Allow extra time for this process.

Travel to FMC Carswell

FMC Carswell’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area makes it one of the more accessible BOP facilities for travel:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — approximately 15 miles from the facility. DFW is a major hub for American Airlines with direct flights from most U.S. cities.
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) — approximately 25 miles east of the facility. Hub for Southwest Airlines.
• Hotels — numerous hotel options in the Fort Worth area, including budget and mid-range options along I-30, Camp Bowie Boulevard, and near the NAS JRB gate areas.
• Rental cars — available at both airports. The facility is accessible via Interstate 30, Interstate 20, and Highway 183.
• Address — FMC Carswell, Federal Medical Center, P.O. Box 27137, Fort Worth, TX 76127. The physical location is at the northeast corner of NAS JRB Fort Worth.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps Women Facing FMC Carswell

FMC Carswell presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge. As the only federal medical center for women, designation to or away from Carswell has outsized impact on a woman’s medical care, program access, family contact, and overall experience in the federal system. Our team has firsthand experience navigating the federal system and helps clients in several specific ways:

Medical Designation Advocacy for Women

If your loved one has medical or mental health conditions that require specialized care, we help ensure the DSCC has complete and compelling documentation supporting a Carswell designation. This includes:

• Reviewing the Pre-Sentence Report for accuracy and completeness of medical information
• Preparing supplemental medical documentation from treating physicians
• Drafting designation preference letters that clearly articulate medical needs
• Coordinating with defense counsel on medical advocacy during the sentencing phase

Camp vs. Main Facility Strategy

For minimum-security women who may be designated to either the Carswell camp or the main FMC, understanding the tradeoffs is important. The camp offers more freedom, better living conditions, and access to RDAP. The main facility provides higher-level medical care but a more restrictive environment. We help clients understand which placement best serves their overall interests — including sentence reduction through RDAP and First Step Act programs.

Preparation and Safety Planning

Given FMC Carswell’s documented history of staff misconduct, preparation should include understanding the PREA complaint process, the administrative grievance system, and how to contact the Office of Inspector General if safety concerns arise. We provide this information as part of our comprehensive preparation services.

Family Support Services

Having a loved one designated to FMC Carswell is especially challenging for families because the facility may be far from home and the medical concerns add an additional layer of worry. Our family support services help families understand visiting procedures, set up communication accounts, navigate the commissary and financial systems, and maintain meaningful connection throughout the incarceration period.

Frequently Asked Questions About FMC Carswell

Is FMC Carswell really the only federal medical center for women?

Yes. FMC Carswell is the only Federal Medical Center in the entire Bureau of Prisons system designated exclusively for female inmates. It has held this distinction since it opened in 1994. Other FMCs — including FMC Butner (North Carolina), FMC Devens (Massachusetts), FMC Fort Worth (Texas), FMC Lexington (Kentucky), FMC Rochester (Minnesota), and MCFP Springfield (Missouri) — are all designated for male inmates. This means that any woman in federal custody who requires Care Level 3 or 4 medical or mental health treatment will almost certainly be designated to Carswell, regardless of where she lives or was sentenced. The facility’s unique status makes it both critically important and uniquely burdened — it serves women from every part of the country with a wide range of medical, psychiatric, and security needs.

Does FMC Carswell offer RDAP?

Yes, but only at the adjacent satellite prison camp, not at the main medical facility. The Residential Drug Abuse Program at the Carswell camp is a 9-month, 500-hour intensive treatment program for inmates with documented substance use disorders. Successful completion can reduce an eligible inmate’s sentence by up to 12 months. However, inmates housed in the main FMC for medical reasons may not be eligible for camp placement and therefore may not be able to participate in RDAP. This is a critical planning consideration — if RDAP sentence reduction is part of your strategy, you need to carefully assess whether medical designation to the main FMC is compatible with camp eligibility. Contact us at 612-605-3989 to discuss your specific situation.

What are the visiting hours at FMC Carswell?

Visiting at FMC Carswell is conducted on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list, which requires a background check that typically takes several weeks. Because the facility is located on Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, visitors must pass through the military base security gate, which requires valid government-issued photo identification and may involve vehicle inspection. Always call 817-782-4000 before traveling to confirm visiting is in effect — the Warden can restrict or cancel visiting for security or weather reasons with little advance notice.

How do I get a medical designation to FMC Carswell?

You cannot directly request designation to a specific facility, but you can advocate for a medical designation through the DSCC process. The most effective approach is to ensure your medical and mental health conditions are thoroughly documented in your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) and to submit supplemental medical records from your treating physicians before your designation is finalized. Your defense attorney can submit a formal designation recommendation letter to the DSCC. We help clients prepare comprehensive medical documentation packages that clearly communicate why FMC-level care is necessary. The earlier this process begins — ideally before sentencing — the more effective it is.

Is FMC Carswell safe for women?

This is an important question that deserves an honest answer. FMC Carswell has a well-documented history of staff sexual misconduct. Since 1997, at least 13 staff members have been convicted of sexual abuse or misconduct. A 2022 Senate investigation found Carswell had the highest number of sexual abuse allegations of any federal women’s prison between 2012 and 2022. As recently as 2025, women at the facility continue to report abuse. The BOP has taken steps to address these issues, including enhanced PREA compliance, additional staff training, and increased oversight. However, systemic problems have persisted across multiple administrations. If your loved one is at Carswell, understanding the PREA complaint process, the BOP administrative grievance system, and the OIG hotline for reporting misconduct are important safety measures. We help families understand these protections as part of our preparation services.

Can women be transferred to FMC Carswell from another facility?

Yes. Women already in BOP custody can be transferred to FMC Carswell if their medical or mental health condition changes, worsens, or is newly diagnosed. The process requires a formal request through the current institution’s Health Services department, which evaluates the inmate’s medical needs and submits a transfer recommendation to the BOP regional office. The regional director must approve the transfer. This process can take weeks to months, and having an advocate who understands how to expedite and document the request can make a significant difference. We have helped clients obtain medical transfers to FMC Carswell by ensuring the medical justification was clearly documented and communicated through proper channels.

What is the difference between the FMC Carswell main facility and the camp?

The main FMC is a five-story medical building that houses women of all security levels who require specialized medical or mental health care. It operates as an administrative-security facility with cells, medical wards, a Special Housing Unit, and 24-hour medical staff. The satellite prison camp (SPC) is an adjacent minimum-security facility with open dormitory-style housing, no perimeter fencing, and significantly more freedom of movement. Camp inmates are classified as minimum security and generally do not have medical needs requiring FMC-level care. The camp offers RDAP and other programs. The two facilities are separate but share a campus on the military base. Inmates are designated to either the main FMC or the camp based on their security classification and medical care level — they do not choose between the two.

Related Pages

• Federal Prisons — Complete Guide to the BOP System
• Federal Administrative Facilities
• Federal Minimum Security Prisons (Camps)
• Federal Low Security Prisons (FCIs)
• Federal Medium Security Prisons
• Federal High Security Prisons (USPs)
• Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)
• Preparing for Federal Prison
• Federal Pre-Sentence Report Guide
• Post-Conviction Services
• Family Support Services
• RDAP and Federal Prison Sentence Reduction

Sources:

[1] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FMC Carswell — Facility Information. bop.gov

[2] U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Sexual Abuse of Female Inmates in Federal Prisons (December 13, 2022). hsgac.senate.gov

[3] HRSA Health Workforce Connector, Federal Bureau of Prisons — FMC Carswell Site Profile. connector.hrsa.gov

[4] Wikipedia, Federal Medical Center, Carswell. en.wikipedia.org

[5] ACLU of Texas, Hospital of Horrors (Federal Medical Center Carswell Prison). aclutx.org

[6] Level Education, Prison Education for FMC Carswell. learnlevel.org

[7] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Female Offender Manual (Program Statement 5200.02). bop.gov

[8] Federal Bureau of Prisons, First Step Act Approved Programs Guide. bop.gov

[9] U.S. Sentencing Commission, BOP Designation and Sentence Computation Overview. ussc.gov

[10] The Guardian, “Human Trafficking Behind Prison Walls”: Women Jailed in Texas Allege Rampant Sexual Abuse (December 11, 2025). theguardian.com

[11] U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, Press Release: Rep. Veasey Urges House Judiciary Committee to Investigate Bureau of Prisons (2022). veasey.house.gov

[12] U.S. Department of Justice, Wife of “El Chapo” Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering. justice.gov

Disclaimer: Federal Case Consulting does not act as your legal representation and cannot guarantee any outcomes. The information on this page is for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation. Bureau of Prisons policies, facility designations, program availability, and institutional conditions are subject to change without notice. The statistics and conditions referenced on this page are sourced from official BOP data, government reports, and credible public reporting and may not reflect real-time conditions at FMC Carswell. The discussion of safety concerns is based on publicly documented cases and government investigations and is presented for informational purposes.