Toward Evidence-Based Practice for Probationers and Parolees Mandated to Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

A growing body of literature indicates that specialty agencies hold promise for improving clinical and criminal outcomes for probationers and parolees with mental illness.

Parole Revocation Among Prison Inmates With Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders

“…A number of investigations have examined predictors of recidivism among released inmates (16)(17)(18)(19). Although results of these studies-conducted throughout a variety of criminal justice disclosures: The authors report no competing interests.…”

“…Approximately 10% to 20% of U.S. prison inmates are estimated to have an axis I major mental disorder of thought or mood, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia (7-12). Moreover, a majority of inmates with serious mental illness have a comorbid substance use disorder (7,(12)(13)(14)(15).A number of investigations have examined predictors of recidivism among released inmates (16)(17)(18)(19). Although results of these studies-conducted throughout a variety of criminal justice disclosures: The authors report no competing interests.…”

The Role of Probation in Forensic Assertive Community Treatment

“…Given the large number of persons on probation in the community and the high prevalence of mental illness among probationers, interactions between probation officers and community mental health staff are common (6). Specialty probation has recently emerged to better manage probationers with severe mental illness, but its effectiveness at preventing recidivism is likely to depend on the effectiveness of treatment and support services at addressing recidivism risk factors (11).…”

“…Specialty probation has recently emerged to better manage probationers with severe mental illness, but its effectiveness at preventing recidivism is likely to depend on the effectiveness of treatment and support services at addressing recidivism risk factors (11). It is not surprising that evidence is mixed about whether specialty probation can prevent recidivism (6) given the shortcomings of today’s mental health services. In the first state-by-state report on the nation’s mental health system, the United States recently received a D grade because of multiple deficiencies (12).…”

“…Examining the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms among probationers, Crilly and colleagues (5) found significantly higher rates of psychosis and mania compared with the general population. Individuals with severe mental illness do poorly on probation compared with probationers without mental illness, with higher rates of disciplinary problems, corrective actions, and subsequent arrests and incarcerations (6). Despite development of specialized probation to manage probationers with severe mental illness (6), a central challenge for probation officers remains how to gain access to appropriate mental health services for this population.…”