Staying Engaged: Working with People with SMI and Criminal Involvement-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In a recent webinar by Dr. Deborah Pinals, professionals gathered to discuss strategies for engaging individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) involved in the criminal justice system. The session highlighted several key themes, including treatment retention, engagement strategies, and the role of family and community support.<br /><br />One significant challenge identified is the high rate of criminal recidivism and treatment dropout among individuals with SMI, particularly when co-occurring substance use disorders are present. Strategies to combat dropout rates were discussed, such as the importance of family involvement and addressing victimization and trauma experienced by these individuals.<br /><br />Various treatment models were explored, including Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) and Critical Time Intervention (CTI), which emphasize the importance of strong therapeutic alliances and psychosocial support. The need for such models is underscored by the complex needs of individuals who are often caught in a cycle of criminal involvement and mental health crises.<br /><br />Engagement was defined as not just attending treatment but building a meaningful, supportive relationship. The webinar stressed the importance of shared decision-making, understanding individual client needs, and supportive relationships in fostering recovery and reducing criminal recidivism.<br /><br />Moreover, the integration of the criminal justice system and mental health care services was highlighted as crucial in maintaining engagement and preventing re-incarceration. This includes developing effective communication between treatment providers and criminal justice supervisors to ensure a seamless transition for individuals reentering the community.<br /><br />The session underscored the importance of collaboration and comprehensive support systems, advocating for a holistic approach to treatment that involves community, family, and criminal justice system stakeholders.

Keywords

serious mental illness

criminal justice system

treatment retention

family support

recidivism

substance use disorders

Coordinated Specialty Care

Critical Time Intervention

therapeutic alliances

shared decision-making