NCJ Number
158325
Journal
Jail Suicide/Mental Health Update Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 8-12
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The legislative focus is on crime prevention and deterrence through incarceration rather than on mental health programming for inmates; nonetheless, the public needs to understand that mental health needs of inmates are just as important as their physical needs.
Abstract
In order to protect what is already in place and provide the foundation on which to make advances in jail mental health programming, jail administrators and officers and mental health practitioners must redefine the concept to position mental health programming as just one of many services needed by inmates. Myths associated with jail mental health programming are identified and explained, and legal and moral considerations in the development of jail mental health programs are described. The need for creative approaches to planning jail mental health services based on knowledge, common sense, and community resources is emphasized. 22 references