|
| |
Mentally Ill Persons in Corrections Settings
In 1959, nearly 559,000 mentally ill patients were housed in state mental
hospitals
1). A shift to "deinstitutionalize" mentally ill persons had, by the late 1990s,
dropped the number of persons housed in public psychiatric hospitals to
approximately 70,000
2). Many mentally ill persons were not adjusting well in the community and were
coming under increasing contact with the criminal justice system. Bureau of
Justice Statistics for midyear 1998 reported that an estimated 283,000 mentally
ill adults were incarcerated in the nations prisons and jails, and another
547,800 adults with histories of mental illness or treatment were being
supervised on probation.
3). Nearly one third of mentally ill offenders in the study also abused alcohol
(a "dual diagnosis").
Transition from Prison to the Community
Statistics show that 97% of the 1.3 million inmates now in prison eventually
will be released and will return to communities. Many will leave prison with no
supervision or services. A strong transition process—through which inmates are
prepared for release, leave prison, return to communities, and adjust to free
living—is needed to protect the public effectively.
NIC's Transition from Prison to the Community Initiative (TPCI) is intended to
help states improve their transition processes, thereby increasing public
safety, reducing recidivism and new victimization, and making better use of
resources in correctional facilities and communities. This initiative uses the
Transition Accountability Planning (TAP) model for an enhanced transition
process, as detailed in the document. At least 95% of all State prisoners will
be released from prison at some point; nearly 80% will be released to parole
supervision. At year end 2001, 1,406,031 prisoners were under the jurisdiction
of State or Federal correctional authorities. In 2000, about 571,000 State
prison inmates were released to the community after serving time in prison.
Nearly 33% of State prison releases in 1999 were drug offenders, 25% were
violent offenders and 31% were property offenders.653,134 adults were under
State parole supervision at year end 2001. By the end of 2000, 16 States had
abolished discretionary release from prison by a parole board for all offenders.
Among State parole discharges in 1999, 42% successfully completed their term of
supervision; relatively unchanged since 1990.
(Information on this page from the National Institute of Corrections).
The Federal Bureau of Prison’s Approach
(For more information go to http://www.bop.gov/)
Mentally Ill Inmates:
• Inmates are housed in the general population whenever possible
• Those needing specialized care or in acute crisis may be transferred to one of
three major Psychiatric Treatment Centers (Rochester, Butner, Springfield)
Helping those who exhibit dangerous or suicidal behavior is always the first
priority of Psychology Services. Psychology Services primary mandate is to
manage inmates and help maintain a safe environment for both inmates and staff.
This is accomplished by identifying inmates that have mental health problems and
who have a history of difficulty functioning. Through a host of services
Psychology effectively aids the inmate to lead a functional and stable life
while incarcerated. Psychological services within each institution ensures that
every inmate with a need is provided care comparable to that available in the
community and consistent with the overall mission of the institution. The
Psychology Services Department of each institution presents an overview of the
programs available to all inmates through the Admissions and Orientation
Program, Flyers distributed to common areas, and through Unit Team meeting. The
Psychology Services Department at each institution may also offer consultative
services, periodic psycho-educational training opportunities for staff, and
community mental health referral services (as needed) to institutional staff.
These services are explained to new employees during Institutional
Familiarization Training and to all staff during Annual Refresher Training.
Psychology services serves as the first point of contact for those inmates who
may need referrals for psycho-tropic medications through the contract
psychiatrist.
Specialized Programming while incarcerated in the Bureau:
1. RDAP- Residential Drug Abuse Program
2. SKILLS- Focused on inmates with low academic, social, and life-skills
3. CODE– (Challenge Opportunity Discipline Ethics), A values program for High
Security Inmates
4. VALUES- A program for medium and low security inmates focusing on character
and getting along with others while incarcerated.
5. BRAVE- (Bureau Responsibility and Values Enhancement) A program for medium
security, young, first-time offenders attempting to prevent the cycle of
re-incarceration and affiliation with anti-social influences.
6. FREE- (Focused Re-entry to Exemplify Excellence) A re-entry program designed
to help prepare inmates for release by enhancing there abilities among 9 crucial
skill sets.
The Ideals of FREE and the Re-Entry Model of Inmate Preparation:
FREE (Focused Re-Entry to Exemplify Excellence) is designed to serve as a
template for how inmates should prepare for re-entry back into the community.
The ideal program regimen is as follows.
I. Introduction to the Program
A. Inmate Participants who have 24-36 months left on their sentence and are
releasing to Florida are selected for the program after they express voluntary
interest.
B. Inmates are introduced to the program and are given a screening instrument
where they are assessed for strengths and weaknesses along Nine Skill Sets:
1. Daily Living (hygiene, time management, bus schedules, and other basics)
2. Mental Health Functioning
3. Physical Wellness
4. Interpersonal Proficiency (Social Skills)
5. Academic Readiness
6. Cognitive Abilities (Criminal thinking errors, Making rational decisions,
etc.)
7. Vocational Revitalization (Resume, interview, Credit and finance)
8. Positive Leisure Time Management
9. Character Building (Community Service Project).
II. Six Month Learning Stage
A. Classes addressing the nine skill sets
B. Individualized programing is addressed to meet specific inmate needs.
C. Inmates are required to complete homework, show progress, and work
intensively on deficits areas.
D. Inmates should use identified strengths in a positive manner to help other
participants.
E. Inmates learn the hierarchy of problem solving (self, family, positive
friends, community, town, state, federal government, etc.).
F. Introduction to USPO, CCM, and CCC Director
III. Community Service Project Stage
A. During the Learning Stage, Inmates are required to develop a Community
Service project.
B. Inmates are required to submit a written proposal concerning the project that
meet two criteria 1. The Project is of positive, pro-social value to the inmate
community.
2. The Project is substantial and meaningful.
IV. Mentor Stage
A. The Participant Remains in the FREE Unit and serves as a mentor to new
incoming inmates.
B. Participant continues to demonstrate all skills learned in the program and
shows that he can be an active, member of a spirited and enthusiastic community.
V. Re-Entry
A. Inmate Leaves Prison fully prepared for a law-abiding life in the community
B. FREE Participant leaves with a portfolio of employment documents, addresses,
and community contacts.
C. Inmates are encouraged to save money in order to leave with some “starter”
funds.
Dealing with Inmates After Release in a Mental Health Setting
Emotional Incarceration: Incarceration has a powerful effect on mental health
and how ex-inmates relate to others as well as interactions with their families.
Instutionalization and a conscious/unconscious desire to return to the safety
and routine of prison life play an important role in the likelihood of
recidivism.
RETURN TO LIFE SKILLS
|
