Abstract
High rates of serious mental illnesses (SMI) among jail inmates pose challenges for the criminal justice system and risks for the individual with SMI. Research has identified actions to address these issues; it is unclear to what extent they have been operationalized. This study examines jails in one state, exploring how individuals with SMI are identified and treated, and comparing these with research-based recommendations. Results indicate that jails are not using evidence-based screenings, staff require training in SMI, access to services and medications for jailed individuals with SMI is often slow, and coordination between community providers and jails is limited.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brink, J. (2005). Epidemiology of mental illness in a correctional system. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 18, 536–541.
Chandler, D., & Spicer, G. (2006). Integrated treatment for jail recidivists with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Community Mental Health Journal, 42(4), 405–425.
Council of State Governments Justice Center. (2002). Criminal justice/mental health consensus project. New York: Council of State Governments.
Ditton, P. (1999). Mental health treatment of inmates and probationers (No. 174463). Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Fisher, W., Roy-Bujnowski, K., Grudzinskas, A., Clayfield, J., Banks, S., & Wolff, N. (2006). Patterns and prevalence of arrest in a statewide cohort of mental health care consumers. Psychiatric Services, 57, 1623–1628.
Greenberg, G., & Rosenheck, R. (2008). Jail incarceration, homelessness, and mental health: A national study. Community Mental Health Journal, 59(2), 170–177.
Lamb, H. R., & Weinberger, L. (1998). Persons with severe mental illness in jails and prisons: A review. Psychiatric Services, 49(4), 483–492.
Lamb, H. R., Weinberger, L. E., & Gross, B. H. (2004). Mentally ill persons in the criminal justice system: Some perspectives. Psychiatric Quarterly, 75(2), 107–126.
Lamberti, J. (2007). Understanding and preventing criminal recidivism among adults with psychotic disorders. Psychiatric Services, 58, 773–781.
Loveland, D., & Boyle, M. (2007). Intensive case management as a jail diversion program for people with a serious mental illness: A review of the literature. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 51(2), 130–150.
Lurigio, A., & Swartz, J. (2006). Mental illness in correctional populations: The use of standardized screening tools for further evaluation or treatment. Federal probation, 70(2), 29–35.
McNiel, D., & Binder, R. (2007). Effectiveness of a mental health court in reducing criminal recidivism and violence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164, 1395–1403.
Morrissey, J., Meyer, P., & Cuddeback, G. (2007). Extending assertive community treatment to criminal justice settings: Origins, current evidence, and future directions. Community Mental Health Journal, 43(5), 527–544.
Mumola, C. J. (2005). Suicide and homicide in state prisons and local jails (Report NCJ 210333). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
New Freedom Commission on Mental Health: Achieving the promise: Transforming mental health care in America. Final report. (2003). Retrieved 12/02/03, from www.mentalhealthcommission.gov/reports/finalreport/fullreport-02.htm.
Richardson, T. (2009). Conceptual and methodological challenges in examining the relationship between mental illness and violent behaviour and crime. Internet Journal of Criminology. Retrieved 4/2/09, from http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Richardson%20-%20Mental%20Illness%20Violent%20Behaviour%20and%20Crime.pdf.
Robins, L., & Reiger, D. (1991). Psychiatric disorders of America: The epidemiologic catchment area study. New York: Free Press.
Ruiz v. Estelle 503 F. Supp. 1265 (S.D. Tex. 1980).
Steadman, H., & Veysey, B. (1997). Providing services for jail inmates with mental disorders (Publication No. NCJ 162207). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice.
Teller, J., Munetz, M., Gil, K., & Ritter, C. (2006). Crisis intervention team training for police officers who respond to local mental disturbance calls. Psychiatric Services, 57, 232–237.
Teplin, L. (1990). The prevalence of severe mental disorder among male urban jail detainees: Comparison with the epidemiologic catchment area program. American Journal of Public Health, 80(6), 663–669.
Theriot, M., & Segal, S. (2005). Involvement with the criminal justice system among new clients at outpatient mental health agencies. Psychiatric Services, 56, 179–185.
Torrey, E. (1995). Editorial: Jails and prisons, America’s new mental hospitals. American Journal of Public Health, 85, 1611–1613.
Weisman, R., Lamberti, J., & Prince, N. (2004). Integrating criminal justice, community healthcare, and support services for adults with severe mental disorders. Psychiatric Quarterly, 75(1), 71–85.
White, M., Chafetz, L., Collins-Bride, G., & Nickens, J. (2006a). History of arrest, incarceration and victimization in community-based severely mentally ill. Journal of Community Health, 31(2), 123–135.
White, M., Goldkamp, J., & Campbell, S. (2006b). Co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse in the criminal justice system: Some implications for local jurisdictions. The Prison Journal, 86, 301–326.
Wolff, N., Blitz, C., & Shi, J. (2007). Rates of sexual victimization for inmates in prison with and without mental disorders. Psychiatric Services, 58, 1087–1094.
Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the North Carolina Governor’s Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Scheyett, A., Vaughn, J. & Taylor, M.F. Screening and Access to Services for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses in Jails. Community Ment Health J 45, 439–446 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9204-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9204-9