'High rates of serious mental illnesses (SMI) among jail inmates pose challenges for the criminal justice system and risks for the individual with SMI,' scientists in the United States report (see also Mental Illness).
'Research has identified actions to address these issues; it is unclear to what extent they have been operationalized. This study examines jails in one state, exploring how individuals with SMI are identified and treated, and comparing these with research-based recommendations,' wrote A. Scheyett and colleagues, University of North Carolina.
The researchers concluded: 'Jails are not using evidence-based screenings, staff require training in SMI, access to services and medications for jailed individuals with SMI is often slow, and coordination between community providers and jails is limited.'
Scheyett and colleagues published their study in Community Mental Health Journal (Screening and Access to Services for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses in Jails. Community Mental Health Journal, 2009;45(6):439-446).
For additional information, contact A. Scheyett, University of North Carolina, School Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC 27515, USA.
The publisher's contact information for the Community Mental Health Journal is: Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands.
Keywords: City:Chapel Hill, State:NC, Country:United States, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Psychiatry
This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
