Supporting Justice-Involved Individuals with SMI: From Arrest to Recovery-View Presentation Slides

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The "Supporting Justice-Involved Individuals with SMI: From Arrest to Recovery" webinar by the American Psychiatric Association provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges and solutions related to people with serious mental illness (SMI) within the criminal justice system. The primary learning objectives are to understand the settings and care methods for individuals, analyze risks of criminal recidivism and poor treatment retention, and describe frameworks that support continuity of care.<br /><br />Key points include recognition of the multi-disciplinary approaches required to support individuals with SMI across systems such as correctional facilities, forensic hospitals, community centers, and emergency departments. Legal precedents like the Olmstead v. L.C. decision advocate for community living for those with mental disabilities, emphasizing the shift towards community services over institutionalization.<br /><br />Criminogenic risk factors are highlighted, noting a significant rate of re-arrest and poor treatment follow-up among those with SMI post-release. The Risk-Need-Responsivity model guides targeted interventions to address individual risks and needs.<br /><br />Continuity of care is identified as crucial, involving personalized treatment plans and enhanced collaboration between mental health and justice systems. Innovative solutions like intensive case management and supportive housing play critical roles in reducing hospital days and increasing housing stability for individuals with mental illness.<br /><br />Challenges such as discontinuity in medication and support systems are considered, along with strategies to overcome these through community policies and practices. Emphasizing collaboration across legal, clinical, and social service providers can enhance outcomes for justice-involved individuals with SMI.<br /><br />Finally, the importance of training behavioral health professionals in understanding co-occurring disorders, trauma, and criminogenic risks is emphasized, along with a focus on integrated services to improve community reintegration and prevent recidivism.

Keywords

serious mental illness

criminal justice system

continuity of care

Risk-Need-Responsivity model

community services

supportive housing

re-arrest rates

integrated services

co-occurring disorders

multi-disciplinary approaches