NCJ Number
219874
Journal
International Journal of Prisoner Health Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 291-301
Date Published
December 2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This qualitative study identified the health needs of 27 ex-prisoners living in an urban borough in Northwest England.
Abstract
The majority of the ex-prisoners interviewed had mental disorders and substance abuse problems; however, most did not seek mental health services, and they were generally unclear about how their substance abuse was affecting their physical health. The 14 service providers interviewed were more aware of and concerned about the health needs of the ex-prisoners than were the ex-prisoners themselves. When the ex-prisoners and service providers were questioned about how the reentry process and ex-prisoner health could be improved, most of the recommendations were offered by the service providers. Among the recommendations for improving ex-prisoners' health care were to have better communication between prison health care providers and community health care agencies, to improve cooperation between mental health services and drug treatment services, and to develop a single health record for young offenders that would be transferred from prison to appropriate community agencies. Housing for ex-prisoners was identified by both service providers and ex-prisoners as a significant issue that affects ex-prisoner health. Homelessness and associated distress should be addressed by improved planning for housing prior to release, followed by the monitoring of ex-prisoner housing issues after their release. The provision of hostels for ex-prisoners with drug/alcohol problems was considered ideal. The study consisted of interviews with 27 ex-prisoners and 14 of the service providers who worked with them. They were asked about the reentry experience and how it impacted ex-prisoners' health, the broad health concerns of ex-prisoners, and how these could be better addressed. 1 table and 13 references