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On Language and Limits; Missions and Mental Health

NCJ Number
241059
Author(s)
Margaret Severson. Ph.D.
Date Published
2013
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article examines how jail leaders can promote a mission-focused discussion of the jail's role in community mental health.
Abstract
Findings show that by articulating and advocating for the primary jail mission and its boundaries, jail administrators can contribute greatly to the development of true mental health solutions for their communities. Overall estimates of the extent of mental illness within jail populations range between approximately 14 to 17 percent when including both men and women and reach as high as 31 percent when focusing solely on women. When substance use and dependence disorders are also examined, findings show that 68 percent of the jail population has a substance use disorder. The proportion of mentally ill jail inmates who have a co-occurring substance use disorder exceeds the 70 percent mark. This article explores the specialized roles of jails and the community mental health system and provides a rationale for avoiding "mission creep." The histories of both the jail as well as the community mental health system are also discussed. Also suggested is several practical actions jail leaders can take to optimize the delivery of mental health care in their facilities.