NCJ Number
242124
Date Published
2012
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report from the National Alliance on Mental Health presents information for assisting people with psychiatric disabilities that are involved with the criminal justice system.
Abstract
This report from the National Alliance on Mental Health is part one of a 3-part series aimed at assisting people with psychiatric disabilities that are involved with the criminal justice system. The guide is intended for use by community members, family members, friends, providers, criminal justice staff, and consumers who wish to learn more about ways to assist offenders with psychiatric disabilities in their efforts to successfully reenter their communities. The guide begins with a discussion of recovery and its guiding principles, along with a discussion of the various concepts used throughout the document. As the guide continues, it discusses how grief and loss figure into an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system, and the impact that involvement with the criminal justice system can have on people's lives. The following sections present information on the recovery process that justice-involved individuals will need to follow in order to successfully reenter their communities. Parts of the recovery process include development of a wellness recovery action plan, overcoming the code of silence regarding one's aspirations and dreams, and building trust. Additional resources in the guide include information on understanding the mental health system, ways for overcoming stigma and discrimination, and ways that individuals can take ownership of their overall wellbeing.