NCJ Number
117933
Journal
Psychiatric Annals Volume: 18 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 684-687,691
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the staffing patterns of a prison and points out that properly-trained correctional staff can play an important role as paraprofessionals in prison mental health units.
Abstract
Studies have shown that properly-trained nonprofessionals and paraprofessionals can give quality mental health care. In prisons, many correctional staff have demonstrated abilities as effective mental health caregivers. While the primary professional goals of clinical and correctional staff are often at odds, the two professions also share common functions. Correctional case managers and correctional counselors use skills that can be enhanced by training in mental health counseling. The article proposes that administrators in correctional mental health facilities be given responsibility for developing, implementing, and assessing training programs for corrections staff with counseling and mental-health related duties. 18 references.