Discharge Planning for Offenders with Co-Occurring Disorders: The Role of Collaboration, Medication, and Staff

Abstract

Concern for offenders with co-occurring disorders is increasing, and few studies have examined the degree of discharge planning provided for this population. The study explored how well the selected factors (medication, community support, and resources) predict the degree of discharge planning for offenders with co-occurring disorders. A secondary dataset using a national sample of administrators in criminal justice treatment programs (N ¼ 147) was used for the analysis. Provision of medication upon release was the strongest predictor. Furthermore, the findings suggested collaborations with external groups and having dedicated staff may impact the level of discharge planning.A growing number of offenders with co-occurring disorders, particularly mental illness and substance use disorders, presents significant challenges to both criminal justice and community-based service settings (Sacks et al., 2007;Sacks & Pearson, 2003). While concern for this population is increasing and most criminal justice organizations have difficulties in providing adequate discharge planning, little is known about discharge planning for this population and factors that affect discharge planning. This study aimed to further the understanding of treatment systems and services for offenders with co-occurring disorders with a special focus on discharge planning in the service systems. More specifically, the study explored how well the selected factors (medication, community support, and resources) predict the degree of discharge planning.

Returning Citizens and Point of Entry: Is There a Match?

“…Of those released, research suggests that 68% will be rearrested within 3 years of release, 79% within 6 years of release, and 83% within 8 years of release (Alper et al, 2018). These data have renewed attention to post-release planning and reentry program services to assist inmates when they leave a correctional facility, including the high number of inmates with co-occurring disorders such as mental health and substance use disorders (Begun et al, 2016; Gunnison & Helfgott, 2017; Toi & Mogro-Wilson, 2015).…”

“…Yet there are many challenges to providing or engaging in effective discharge planning, including a lack of time and service coordination with community resources, a shortage of funding mechanisms to provide this assistance, and continuing questions as to what constitutes best practices for this activity (Backer et al, 2007). In fact, discharge planning in correctional settings is often insufficient to address the complex needs of vulnerable inmates (Osher et al, 2003; Toi & Mogro-Wilson, 2015).…”

Using multiple case studies of health and justice services to inform the development of a new complex intervention for prison-leavers with common mental health problems (Engager)

“…Individuals coming out of prison experience a combination of complex mental health problems, social exclusion and resettlement difficulties (Hamilton & Belenko, 2016 ; Mallik-Kane & Visher, 2008 ; Toi & Mogro-Wilson, 2015 ; Wallace et al, 2016 ). While those with substance use disorders and severe mental illness, such as psychosis, are likely to be in contact with specialist services, others with common mental health problems (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) are unlikely to be in regular contact with any service (Byng et al, 2012 ; Shaw et al, 2017 ).…”

Classificatory Pluralism in Correctional Psychology: Advancing Our Research and Practice

“…These stakeholders make important decisions about individuals who With prisoner social re-entry gaining status as a recognised and important correctional task, a growing body of literature has been established, identifying important factors and considerations for achieving community reintegration. A number of key ideas have been proposed, including: more careful, empirically based risk assessment procedures upon entry into the criminal justice system (Serin, Lloyd & Handby, 2010); better screening for comorbid issues, such as mental health problems, prior to their re-entry plan (Hanna et al, 2020;Petersilia, 2004); a greater focus on corrections-based educational and vocational training programmes that teach marketable and pragmatic job skills and develop good work habits (Cook et al, 2015;Rakis, 2005); and better discharge planning activities and meaningful community linkages, making key services readily available to these individuals upon release (Toi & Mogro-Wilson, 2015). From this literature, the importance of community involvement in the reintegration process has been highlighted.…”