NCJ Number
171314
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (1997) Pages: 375-382
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article is the first of three which, together, present an overview of national guidelines/standards for providing mental health services within a correctional setting and describe essential characteristics of a mental health system designed to meet constitutional standards.
Abstract
This article provides a brief summary of pertinent epidemiological studies and an introduction to the most widely used national standards/guidelines. Studies and clinical experience have consistently indicated that 8 to 19 percent of prisoners have psychiatric disorders that result in significant functional disorders, and another 15 to 20 percent will require some form of psychiatric intervention during their incarceration. The article describes general principles relevant to mental health systems within jails and prisons, summarizes issues pertinent to the special needs of women within correctional facilities, and reviews the role of mental health professionals in providing consultation and training to correctional staff. Note, table, references