A. The corrections department may develop and implement a special program for certain male and female offenders who have been identified by the department as being vulnerable offenders who, if not provided with a special program, would be vulnerable to victimization by inmates and subject to unusual or extraordinary mental or physical harassment, intimidation, harm or injury.
B. Vulnerability shall be determined by factors such as age, mental health or special education needs. If an offender is less than twenty-one years of age, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the offender is vulnerable. A vulnerable offenders program shall not result in the diminution of civil rights for vulnerable offenders.