The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62357

Rebecca M. B. White, BS, Mel & Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Box 4506, Tempe, AZ 85287-4506, 480-965-3533, rebecca.white@asu.edu

INTRODUCTION: This paper focuses on persons with severe and persistent mental illness residing in U.S. jails. Correctional institutions have inappropriately become public mental health housing units for much of this population. FRAMEWORK: A sequential framework for enhancing evidence based public health practice supports (1) developing a statement of the issue, (2) determining what is known through the scientific literature, (3) quantifying the issues, (4) developing program or policy options, (5) developing an action plan, and (6) evaluating the program/policy¹. This paper applies the first four phases of this framework to the issue of diverting offenders with mental illness from jails to community-based treatment. RESULTS: Despite tremendous gains in awareness and knowledge, mental health has received too little attention in the public health arena. Furthermore, persons with mental illness are over represented in inmate populations. Research reveals three major factors contributing to this situation: (1) deinstitutionalization, (2) inadequate community-based supports, and (3) criminalization^2,3,4. Criminalization poses a health risk for persons with mental illness because institutionalization within the criminal justice system does not yield positive treatment outcomes. This paper makes program and policy recommendations stressing an assertive community treatment based system of public mental health. The analysis integrates mental health, criminal justice, and public health literature to reveal opportunities for evidence based public mental health assessment, policy development, and assurance practices.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Articulate the issues associated with criminalization of persons with mental illness.
  6. Identify the relevant public health, mental health, and criminal justice literature focused on criminalization.
  9. Apply a framework for evidence based public health practice to a current public mental health topic.

Keywords: Mental Health System, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.