NCJ Number
168820
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: May/June 1996 Pages: 49-52
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article offers recommendations for the management of mentally ill inmates in jails.
Abstract
Most correctional settings will house mentally ill individuals, so an action plan should be developed for their management. Large institutions may want to hire their own mental health staff to include therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Medium-size facilities may want to contract with local community mental health centers or private individuals on an as needed basis. Small institutions and those with budget issues may want to find psychiatrists and other professionals who may be willing to donate some time. Correctional staff must be trained to recognize mental disorders and how to make a referral when needed. On-site substance abuse urine screening will be helpful in determining what role substance abuse plays. If substances are not involved, then psychiatric interventions may be more quickly instituted to help the inmate. Keeping accurate records in the institution can be helpful with repeat offenders, and proper interventions may help prevent inmates from becoming repeat offenders. Analyzing the type of offenses committed may provide insight into a possible mental disorder. A copy of the most current "Physicians Desk Reference" or other book on medications should be on hand. Referring to one of these books may be helpful in deciding whether medications should be allowed into a correctional setting. Correctional staff should not be expected to diagnose mental disorders, but appropriate training can increase safety by providing information that will make referring for treatment easier and more timely.