NCJ Number
92398
Journal
Archives of General Psychiatry Volume: 40 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1983) Pages: 363-368
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Subjects of this study were 101 inmates of a county jail for women who were randomly selected from those referred for psychiatric evaluation.
Abstract
Findings showed that 86 percent has a history of psychiatric hospitalization; 94 percent had prior arrest records, with 50 percent of those for felonies. More than half met the criteria for involuntary hospitalization. When arrested, more than 40 percent were transients, and only 7 percent were employed. Furthermore, 70 percent had histories of serious physical violence, more than 40 percent had engaged in prostitution, and 84 percent of those with children had demonstrated an inability to take care of them. Far fewer mentally ill women than men were incarcerated in county jail, but in the case of male inmates, there appears to have been some 'criminalization' of the mentally ill. The study concludes that more mandatory aftercare and ongoing involuntary treatment for this population are needed. Tabular data and 12 references are given. (Author abstract modified)