NCJ Number
239596
Date Published
September 2012
Length
82 pages
Annotation
This report from the Council of State Governments' Justice Center presents a framework for reducing recidivism among adult inmates with behavioral health needs.
Abstract
This report was compiled by the Council of State Governments Justice Center with the collaboration of Federal Government agencies, including the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the National Institute of Corrections, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as well as national organizations such as the American Probation and Parole Association and the Association of State Correctional Administrators. The report presents a framework for officials at the systems level to determine where to direct limited resources that would more effectively serve the needs of adult inmates with behavioral health needs. The purpose of the framework is to ensure that these individuals have the tools and support they need to successfully leave prison and avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system. The framework, entitled the Criminogenic Risk and Behavioral Health Needs Framework, is not intended as a 'how to' guide but rather is a tool for stakeholders to use in advancing the national discussion on how to improve public safety and health for inmates with substance use and mental health disorders. This report contains four sections the discuss the framework and provide supporting information: 1) Introduction discusses the lack of a link between behavioral health disorders and violence or other crimes, and the need for a framework for coordinating services across systems; 2) Part I discusses current responses to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and corrections involvement; 3) Part II presents the framework; and 4) Part III discusses how to operationalize the framework. Figures, tables, appendix, and references