NCJ Number
135586
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews models of delivery of mental health services in prisons and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Abstract
The models are explained in terms of the basic issues of intention, administration, and the separation of the mentally disordered offender from other inmates. The models discussed are a centralized psychiatric prison, small psychiatric units attached to major prisons, regional forensic psychiatric centers, regional security units at psychiatric hospitals, and a centralized psychiatric security hospital. Regardless of the model, the central problem lies in the fact that neither the prison system nor the health system wants jurisdiction over mentally disordered offenders; consequently, they are not properly cared for by either prisons or psychiatric hospitals. This situation arises principally from disagreements over what role each should play. Given this state of affairs, of the models discussed, the small psychiatric units attached to major prisons with dual management have the most to offer. Prison and mental health expertise is required at the administrative level to ensure that security and treatment needs are met. Small units are less entrenched in excessive security and offer a greater level of trust, better staff communication, and the possibility of specialization. 25 references