Are jails replacing the mental health system for the homeless mentally ill?

Abstract

The author explores the process of how homeless mentally ill persons become involved with the criminal justice system. The unique demands of homelessness and chronic mental illness were specifically examined in this naturalistically based study. The author concludes that a combination of severe mental illness, a tendency to decompensate in a nonstructured environment, and an inability or unwillingness to follow through with aftercare contributed to involvement with the criminal justice system. Changes in the mental health system that would prevent the criminalization of the homeless mentally ill are suggested.

Housing Patterns and Correlates of Homelessness Differ by Gender among Individuals Using San Francisco Free Food Programs

“…This finding underscores the instability of housing among indigent persons. Previous studies have linked incarceration and homelessness, 22,23 particularly as a surrogate for the mental health system, 24 though women-specific data are sparse. Recent incarceration was the only factor strongly associated with homelessness among women in adjusted analysis.…”

Reducing the incarceration of the homeless : an examination of multi-service use and the utilization of institutional services.

“…Various explanations have been given for the sharp increase in incarcerated individuals. Some ofthese explanations include the "get tough" approach to crime, mandatory minimum sentences, reduction of judicial sentencing discretion, the "war on drugs," and crime control functions (Belcher, 1988;Fagin, 2010;Fitzpatrick & Myrstol, 2011;Golder et aI., 2005;Lynch & Sabol, 2004;Markowitz, 2006).…”

“…Those who are incarcerated are likely to be poor, marginalized young males (Belcher, 1988;Fagin, 2010;Fisher et aI., 2011;Fitzpatrick & Myrstol, 2011;Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008;Golder et aI., 2005;Lynch & Sabol, 2004;Markowitz, 2006). It is estimated that men are ten times more likely to be incarcerated than females and that African Americans are six times more likely to be incarcerated than whites (Fisher et aI., 2011).…”

“…It is estimated that men are ten times more likely to be incarcerated than females and that African Americans are six times more likely to be incarcerated than whites (Fisher et aI., 2011). Of considerable concern is the increasing number of homeless found in our jails and prisons, many of which suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders (Belcher, 1988;Calsyn, Yonker, Lemming, Morse & Klinkenberg, 2005;Fitzpatrick & Myrstol, 2011;Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008, Golder et aI., 2005Lynch & Sabol, 2004;Markowitz, 2006;Munetz & Griffin, 2006;Perez, Leifman & Estrada, 2003). Greenberg and Rosenheck (2008) suggest that poor health status and disadvantageous socioeconomic characteristics have been found to contribute to the high rates of homeless ness.…”

“…Many states were not prepared to treat the increasing numbers of mentally ill who were filtering out into the community (Belcher, 1988;Perez et al, 2003;Slate & Johnson, 2008). Too many individuals were in need of services and too few services existed to meet the increased needs produced by deinstitutionalization.…”