Homelessness and Incarceration: A Reciprocal Relationship?

“Out but in”: The complexities of adult re-integration post-incarceration in the Canadian context

“…The involvement of state intervention, primarily child welfare, was referenced in many of the studies examined (Barman-Adhikari et al, 2018;Boyd et al, 2016;Knights et al, 2017;Leclair et al, 2019;Mayock et al, 2013;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2013;Saddiccha et al, 2014). Depending on the background of the researchers, the questions they formulated, and how the research was conducted, the involvement of state intervention such as child welfare was discussed in different ways.…”

“…Depending on the background of the researchers, the questions they formulated, and how the research was conducted, the involvement of state intervention such as child welfare was discussed in different ways. This included state intervention being viewed as highly influential on their likelihood of involvement in the criminal justice system and homelessness or having a small influence on their involvement in the criminal justice system and homelessness (Barman-Adhikari et al, 2018;Boyd et al, 2016;Knights et al, 2017;Leclair et al, 2019;Mayock et al, 2013;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2014;Saddiccha et al, 2014). Some studies were very critical of the way state interventions such as child welfare have minimal supports for individuals who "age out" of the system and are left to navigate the youth and adult systems on their own, and the role this plays in subsequent incarceration and experiences of homelessness (Boyd et al, 2016;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Saddiccha et al, 2014).…”

“…Another theme that emerged was the impact co-occurring mental health and substance misuse had on increasing the likelihood of incarceration and the potential for difficulty during the re-integration process, leading to potential recidivism. The impact of co-occurring mental health and substance misuse was referenced in multiple studies examined (Barman-Adhikari et al, 2018;Boyd et al, 2016;Knights et al, 2017;Leclair et al, 2019;Mayock et al, 2013;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2014;Saddiccha et al, 2014;Shannon & Hess, 2019;Zivanovic et al, 2016). As it relates to community re-integration, mental health issues have been noted by probation officers as influencing youths' ability to engage with programs and services (Badali et al, 2015).…”

“…The theoretical perspectives of the authors influenced the knowledge that was produced regarding these areas, resulting in some examining mental health as a factor of incarceration and re-integration, but not the primary indicator of whether an individual would commit future offences while out in the community (Badali et al, 2015;Barman-Adhikari et al, 2018;Boyd et al, 2016;Knights et al, 2017;Leclair et al, 2019;Mayock et al, 2013). In contrast, others saw it as the main cause of an individual becoming incarcerated or increasing their rates of recidivism (Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2014;Saddiccha et al, 2014;9 Moreover, co-occurring substance misuse and mental health challenges result in individuals who experience homelessness or unstable housing, such as couch surfing, having higher rates of incarceration (Boyd et al, 2016;Leclair et al, 2019;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2014;Saddiccha et al, 2014). Mental health concerns and substance use were touted as leading to difficulties in securing stable housing following release from a period of incarceration (To et al, 2016).…”

“…The lack of appropriate and affordable housing has a negative impact on individuals exiting periods of incarceration and reintegrating into the community (Barman-Adhikari et al, 2018;Boyd et al, 2016;Knights et al, 2017;Leclair et al, 2019;Mayock et al, 2013;Moschion & Johnson, 2019;Omura et al, 2014;Saddiccha et al, 2014;Shannon & Hess, 2019;Zivanovic et al, 2016). Obtaining and maintaining housing is one of the primary challenges faced by individuals released from custody (HH & JCI, 2019).…”