Recognizing Perspectives on Community Reentry From Offenders with Mental Illness: Using the Afrocentric Framework and Concept Mapping with Adult Detainees

• NCJ Number: 232811
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 8 Issue: 49 Dated: November-December 2010 Pages: 536-550
• Author(s): Schnavia Smith Hatcher
• Date Published: November 2010
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5R25MH080669
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study utilized concept mapping techniques and incorporated the Afrocentric framework with inmates receiving mental health treatment and staff of an urban adult detention center to ascertain the meaning of successful community reentry and the significance of the indicators.

Abstract

By using concept-mapping techniques and incorporating the Afrocentric framework, this study demonstrated that people with mental illnesses, when asked and provided the means to participate, can engage in meaningful identification of their needs, service conceptualization, and prioritization. They provided 13 service area needs that included 104 indicators of their success when returning to the community. The identification of these indicators of success is helpful to program developers so that they can address the challenges of the consumer, and move offenders with mental illness toward independent living. Implications of the findings for social workers and public health professionals working in the corrections field are explored and discussed. (Published Abstract) Figures, tables, and references