Jail Mental Health Resourcing

Abstract

U.S. county jails hold large populations of mentally ill inmates but have rarely been researched quantitatively to assess their collective capacity for providing mental health treatment. This research uses ordinal logit and a partial parallel slopes model and a large sample of U.S. counties to assess conceptualized links between local institutional and structural indicators and jail mental health resourcing. Strong church networks and high rates of adult education completion are associated with enhanced jail mental health resourcing. Urbanized areas and areas with deep economic ties to manufacturing appear supportive of a strong jail mental health system. Conversely, conservative political environments and areas with strong medical and mental health networks based in the community are correlated with reduced jail mental health resourcing. Evidence from this research adds to a growing understanding of the need for enhanced community mental health service and diagnostic capabilities in our nation's jails, noting the characteristics and correlates of model program jurisdictions and jurisdictions where program enhancements are most likely in order.

Identification, Referral, and Services for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness Across Multiple Jails

“…The findings of this study, and others (Helms et al, 2016), highlight the lack of resources available for the assessment or services needed within jails after identification. A minimal level of services should be provided to individuals in jails, regardless of the size or geography, that addresses their needs during incarceration and prepares them for community reentry.…”

Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among adolescent girls in Dembia district, northwest Ethiopia, 2017

“…Hence, behavioral interventions, including on dietary issues, at this stage will likely help bring intended change during adolescence and throughout their lifetime [ 2 – 4 ]. Adolescence also offers a window of opportunity to achieve optimal growth and development and delay or prevent the risk of non-communicable diseases [ 5 ].…”

“It’s Not Like Therapy”: Patient-Inmate Perspectives on Jail Psychiatric Services

“…Service provision and receipt appears highly dependent upon facility size and community context, as well as inmate age and race. Facilities that are small or located in politically conservative communities provide few services (Goldstrom et al, 1998; Helms, Gutierrez, & Reeves-Gutierrez, 2016). Inmates who are Black, Latino, and young receive few services (Kaba et al, 2015).…”