Implementing residential treatment for prison inmates with mental illness.
There is evidence that mentally ill offenders (MIOs) in prisons commit more infractions, serve longer sentences, and are more likely to be victimized than inmates who are not mentally ill. Humanistic and prison management interests are served if intervention programs minimize symptoms and promote coping and other functional skills. A collaborative agreement was established between Washington State Department of Corrections and a consortium of University of Washington faculty to mutually develop a prison-based program of clinical management and psychoeducation for MIOs. The resulting program is described, along with rationale, planning processes, implementation, and initial evaluation. Most aspects of the planned program are in place. Clinical and behavioral progress by inmates following program participation has been documented. Issues concerning treatment program implementation in prisons are discussed.
O'Connor
Frederica W
FW
Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7263, USA. roc.u.washington.edu
Lovell
David
D
Brown
Linda
L
D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012637:Security Measures / Q000458:organization & administration; D014861:Washington