Evaluating the Effectiveness of Residential Treatment for Prisoners with Mental Illness

Group: University of Washington

URL: http://www.doc.wa.gov/aboutdoc/measuresstatistics/docs/ResidentialTreatmentforPrisoners...

Description

An intermediate-care residential program for mentally ill male prison inmates in Washington provides medication monitoring, skills training, and a supportive milieu to help participants cope with life in prison. Participants were substantially less symptomatic when they left the program than when they entered. Comparisons of preprogram and postprogram behavior showed significant reductions in staff assaults, infractions, and use of expensive resources, as well as higher rates of work and school participation. A minority of inmates continued to be difficult to manage despite program interventions. Effectiveness measures are discussed in relation to the obligation to provide medically necessary care to inmates with severe mental illness.

Tags

corrections, mental health, treatment programs, inmates

Other Attributes