Estimating the Mental Illness Component of Service Need in Corrections

Abstract

From the moment of their admission to prison, offenders with mental illness represent a population with special service needs. From this services perspective, the present study draws population estimates of mental illness indicators for newly committed offenders using operational data sources available within a correctional system. In a cohort of 2,855 male and female offenders across three security levels and five regions of the United States, several indicators of mental illness (e.g., diagnosis of serious mental illness, inpatient psychiatric care) were aggregated. Findings suggest that 15.2% of newly committed offenders at low-, medium-, and high-security facilities may require some level of mental health services to address a need related to mental illness. Prevalence rates differed between gender and between lower versus medium or high security levels. Implications informing the work of clinicians, administrators, and policy makers are discussed. Future research developing additive models estimating service need among other components of corrections populations is recommended.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Executive Functioning in an Incarcerated Sample

“…These individuals were a subset of a larger sample who had participated in an earlier study of mental health needs within the BOP called the Mental Health Prevalence Project (MHPP) (Magaletta, Diamond, Faust, Daggett, & Camp, 2009). The MHPP used a purposeful sampling method in order to maximize the representativeness of the sample and to control for the costs of gathering data at multiple sites across the United States (Magaletta et al, 2009). The researchers used a nonprobability continual sampling strategy, and stratified for gender and security level.…”

“…Selfreport data, screening, and intake data were collected. Eligibility criteria included the following: 18 years of age or older, 4 th grade or higher literacy level, new admission to the federal prison system on a new charge, and the physical and mental ability to respond to self-report measures in English or Spanish (Magaletta et al, 2009). …”

“…The SENTRY system includes demographic data, sentencing information, institution classification information, institutional adjustment data, and other information for all offenders in BOP custody (Magaletta et al, 2009;Diamond et al, 2007). Data retrieved from SENTRY for the MHPP and TBIQ studies included demographics and relevant criminal history (MHPP), as well as information regarding any past history of violence, and disciplinary infractions incurred during the first 24 months of the current incarceration (TBIQ study) (Magaletta et al, 2009;Diamond et al, 2007).…”

“…The PDS is a component of the electronic mental health record that is maintained for all BOP offenders (Magaletta et al, 2009). The results of the clinical interview conducted with inmates as part of the psychology services intake screening process are entered into the PDS.…”

“…The results of the clinical interview conducted with inmates as part of the psychology services intake screening process are entered into the PDS. The format of the intake within the PDS consists of a set of specific response categories that are meant to be a general guide for the intake interview process (Magaletta et al, 2009). Data retrieved from the PDS for the MHPP and TBIQ study included reported lifetime history of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, any current diagnosis of serious mental illness, and reported or known history of psychotropic medication use (MHPP).…”