NCJ Number
85927
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A general strategy to address national and local information needs for planning mental health services in jails must be based on improvements in conceptualization, measurement, classification, and program evaluation.
Abstract
These requirements are interrelated and can be integrated into a broad framework for research in the field. First, increased agreement on aims is called for, with program descriptions utilizing measurable terms and specifying program methods. A national program is needed providing minimal statistical data on jails -- who is in them, why, and with what mental health problems. Recordkeeping at the local level should extend beyond these core data to keep track of offenders and program results for both accountability and further program planning. Management information systems should be utilized as bases for measurement and classification studies and for program evaluations. Quality control programs should assess the quality and strength of the treatment being provided to ensure its integrity relative to a specifiable, theoretical framework. Recordkeeping and analysis should not only relate to offender data but also to institutional staff for purposes of both assistance to and assistance through staff. Also, research should attempt the measurement of stress and the impact of jail environments on mental health, seeking to distinguish inmates disturbed before entering jail, those who become disturbed in jail, and those who become disturbed as a result of being in jail. Other areas of study recommended are followups on confined persons, research on jailers, demonstration mental health programs, specialized studies of violence and suicide, and prevention research. Thirteen references are provided.