Successful Reintegration and Mental Health: An Examination of Gender Differences Among Reentering Offenders

Abstract

Men and women exiting the correctional system represent a population at high risk for mental health problems, and the body of research on the mental health needs of former prisoners is growing. These mental health problems pose challenges for individuals at every stage of the criminal justice process, from arrest to incarceration to reentry and reintegration. This article examines the mental health status and gender differences among a sample of 352 men and women leaving confinement and the role that mental health problems played in shaping their reentry outcomes using data collected between 2002 and 2005. In the year after leaving prison, men and women with mental health problems reported worse health indicators and less satisfactory social factors, such as employment, housing, and family support. The article concludes with a discussion of recommendations for improved policy and practice for assisting former prisoners with mental health problems during reintegration.

Consequences of mental and physical health for reentry and recidivism: Toward a health‐based model of desistance*

“…Specifically, the delay of reinstating insurance coverage after release results in gaps in treatment in the critical weeks of the reentry period (Mallik‐Kane & Visher, ). Avoiding lapses in treatment and access to medications might be mitigated by commonsensical approaches to ease the transition to the community that include stop‐gap provisions for medication, referrals for treatment, and prearranged appointments (Bakken & Visher, ). Furthermore, outcomes may be improved through prerelease reinstatement of health care (Medicaid) benefits.…”

“…Medical research findings indicate that having a physically or mentally ill family member can engender substantial strain between that person and his or her family (Ferrario, Zotti, Zaccaria, & Donner, ; Magliano, Fiorillo, De Rosa, Malangone, & Maj, ). Findings from a small amount of literature also indicate a possible direct link between physical health issues and crime (Schroeder, Hill, Hoskins, & Bradley, ; Stogner, Gibson, & Mitchell, ) and between mental health and reentry outcomes (Bakken & Visher, ). To date, however, physical and mental health are often considered to be “minor needs” (Andrews & Bonta, ), which may inadvertently downplay the role good health plays in setting the stage for success in adult roles (which have known beneficial implications for desistance from crime).…”

Getting High After Getting Out: Understanding the Relationship Between Support, Stressors, and Drug Use Among Men and Women in Early Reentry

“…A significant number of men and women cycle in and out of prison every day. This is disruptive for families and communities, and it is incredibly expensive (Alexander, 2012; Bakken & Visher, 2018; Mears & Cochran, 2015; Petersilia, 2003). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 600,000 individuals were released from state and federal institutions in 2016 (Carson, 2018), and more than one-third are expected to be rearrested within the first 6 months of release (Durose et al, 2014).…”

“…Men and women reentering communities following release from prison face a plethora of stressors including finding housing, securing employment, meeting community supervision requirements, and fulfilling family responsibilities (Bakken & Visher, 2018; Mears & Cochran, 2015). Many individuals released from confinement are inadequately prepared for the demands that immediately await them on the outside given long-standing needs related to mental health, histories of trauma, and concentrated disadvantage (Clear, 2007; Mowen & Visher, 2015; Richie, 2001).…”

Women parolees’ mental health in the context of reintegration

“…Mental health issues are pronounced among criminal justice‐involved persons, including those re‐entering communities following periods of incarceration (Bakken & Visher, 2018; Link, Ward, & Stansfield, 2019). Previous researchers note that mental health conditions can mediate the experience of re‐entry and shape post‐release outcomes (Bakken & Visher, 2018; Link et al, 2019). Specifically, parolees with mental health concerns may experience greater obstacles in different social domains, including health, employment, housing and may be at greater risk of recidivism (Bakken & Visher, 2018; Link et al, 2019; Visher & Bakken, 2014).…”