A needs analysis for forensic case management for psychiatrically diagnosed inmates, /

Abstract

An analysis of variables that affect the recidivism rates among mentally ill offenders was undertaken to assess the need for forensic case managers among this population. Data was collected at an adult jail in Pennsylvania that yielded~ a sample of 181 inmates who were assessed to be suffering from a mental illness or a dual-diagnosis. Persons believed both to be mentally ill and to have committed criminal acts can often be enmeshed in a pattern of relationships between mental health and correctional agencies, such that they often receive the worst services that both systems have to offer. Studies addressing the treatment of mentally ill or dually diagnosed offenders report a lack of integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment programs for the incarcerated. Additionally, the lack of appropriate housing and aftercare once released from incarceration are also pitfalls to successful treatment. This study focuses on the need to resolve these problems and offers a case management model that integrates residential and outpatient aftercare and treatment for mentally ill or dually diagnosed offenders once they are released from incarceration.