NCJ Number
222739
Date Published
April 2006
Length
50 pages
Annotation
With the intent to synthesize available knowledge on types of housing available to persons with mental illness, this paper presents an overview of housing options used for persons with mental illness who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
Abstract
This paper makes it clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to housing for persons with mental illness who have had justice system contract will not work. Practitioners caution that what works in housing persons with mental illness may be different from what works for those who have had contact with the criminal justice system. In other words, the reentry population may have differing needs than those individuals with mental illness who have not had contact with the justice system. Even though some evaluation studies have found that housing with low-demand service provisions may work well for persons with mental illness, low-demand services might not be an option when individuals are under high levels of correctional supervision. In summary, when criminal justice system contact is added into the mix of client characteristics that are served by current housing options targeting persons with mental illness, particular findings or issues discussed may be more salient than others. Although programs discussed can provide guidance to those seeking to develop or expand housing options, an evidence base has not yet been built. It is imperative that researchers begin to build a body of evaluation research that can provide practitioners and government officials with the guidance necessary to create and maintain successful housing models. Appendix and references