27: Maintaining Continuity of Care
Connect inmates to employment, including supportive employment and employment services, before their release to the community. Facilitate releasees' sustained engagement in treatment, mental health and supportive health services, and stable housing.
Overview
Research Highlights
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Effective treatment of most serious health problems depends on an individual's sustained, long-term engagement in health services.
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Community supervision officers can play a role in keeping parolees and probationers in treatment.
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Large caseloads for parole and probation officers may reduce the likelihood of enhanced attention to the health and housing needs of releasees.
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There is often a dearth of available, accessible services for returning prisoners, particularly in their home communities.
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Integration of services and housing can aid in transition after release.
Recommendations
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Train community corrections officers to understand-and respond effectively to-the special needs of individuals with mental illness on probation or parole.
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Ensure that all community supervision officers know how to monitor people with substance abuse issues and how to engage probationers and parolees in treatment, where appropriate.
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Coordinate physical health services for individuals with special health needs.
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Implement policies and programs that prevent people leaving prison or jail from entering emergency shelters or otherwise becoming homeless.
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Foster stability in housing for individuals released to the community.
Related Policy Statements
Our Publications
How and Why Medicaid Matters for People with Serious Mental Illness Released from Jail
Hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness are released from jail each year. Without continuity of care, they are likely to be reincarcerated. Enrollment in Medicaid increases access to treatment for people with mental illness released from jail, who typically lack other means to pay for those services.
Related Information
Issue Area:
Physical and Mental Health
Issue Area:
Reentry and Physical Health
Issue Area:
Public Safety
Issue Area:
Reentry and Substance Abuse
Issue Area:
Reentry and Mental Health

