Policy Statement 8, Development of Intake Procedure, outlined the process for both the preliminary, emergency mental health assessment and the subsequent, more complete mental health exam to be performed, if necessary, shortly after a person's arrival at a correctional facility. The results of those evaluations should be used to chart a person's course of mental health treatment throughout his or her incarceration, a series of steps that should be incorporated into the person's individualized programming plan, as described in Policy Statement 9, Development of Programming Plan. Collaboration between corrections and community-based providers is a critical factor in ensuring that a person's mental health treatment, including pharmacological, counseling, and other supportive services, can continue uninterrupted upon his or her release, as further discussed in Policy Statement 20, Planning Continuity of Care, and Policy Statement 27, Maintaining Continuity of Care. The following recommendations also call for investment in appropriate formularies and technology such as telemedicine to improve efficiency and effectiveness of treatment within correctional facilities. Further, this policy statement addresses the large number of individuals who have substance abuse issues in addition to mental illness. Those with such co-occurring disorders need individualized treatment that addresses both substance abuse and mental health needs.

Recommendations:

A.

Engage the community-based mental health care system in providing pre- and postrelease services to inmates with mental health needs.

1.

People with mental illness are significantly overrepresented in prison and jail populations.

B.

Ensure that prison and jail formularies provide access to the most appropriate medications.

2.

Co-occurring substance abuse disorders are common among people with mental illness who are incarcerated.

C.

Provide appropriate psychosocial supports and services.

3.

People in prison or jail who have mental illnesses have special needs and require unique services.

4.

Over half of state prisoners with mental illnesses receive mental health treatment in prison; transition planning is a major issue for this population.

D.

Employ telecommunications technology to deliver effective and cost-effective services.

E.

Establish protocols to address co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.