NCJ Number
218167
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 130-150
Date Published
April 2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study reviewed the research literature on two types of intensive case management (ICM) programs that serve as jail diversion programs for people with serious mental illness (SMI).
Abstract
Results indicated that the general ICM programs, which include an assessment of arrests and incarceration rates for people with a SMI only rarely reduced arrest or jail rates for this population over time. Additionally, the rates of arrest and incarceration for the general ICM programs were similar to those found in standard mental health services. The general ICM programs that included an integrated additional treatment component produced more mixed results. The findings were mixed jail diversion interventions with an ICM program, but generally more ICM programs produced significant reductions in arrest and incarceration rates over time for people with SMI. The research review was conducted with the following criteria: (1) an empirical study that evaluated a case management program for people with a mental illness; (2) at least 50 percent of the sample had to have a mental illness; (3) must include an assessment if involvement in the criminal justice system; and (4) the program had to be implemented in the United States or Canada. Research for review use identified using multiple scientific abstracts including PsycINFO, Medline, ERIC, Criminal Justice Abstracts, and Social Work Abstracts. Additionally, all published evaluations of case management programs were reviewed. The authors relied on a basic qualitative format to analyze the research literature. Future research should focus on the efficacy of using a community-based ICM program as an intervention for diverting individuals with a SMI away from the criminal justice system and into the behavioral health system. Tables, references