12
Adults with Behavioral Health Needs under Correctional Supervision
The Need for a Framework for Coordinating Services across Systems With these challenges in mind, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) initiated the “Responding to Adults with Behavioral Health Needs under Correctional Supervision” project in 2010. The goals of the project have been to 1) convene forums for discussion among mental health, substance abuse, and corrections experts who understand the principles, models, policies, and practices related to what works in improving outcomes for corrections-involved people with behavioral health disorders and 2) synthesize the expert guidance from the three fields into a framework that helps system administrators, policymakers, and practitioners focus and prioritize their supervision and treatment resources in ways that produce the greatest public health and safety results. This paper is the product of the expert forums and other BJA-supported efforts to obtain feedback from the corrections and behavioral health fields. • Part I summarizes how the behavioral health and criminal justice systems currently respond to people with mental health and substance use disorders after determining their needs and risk for recidivism. • Part II presents the framework that state and local agency administrators (and practitioners in their system) can use to determine how best to prioritize and allocate resources for adults under correctional supervision with behavioral health disorders. It is also of value to policymakers and practitioners interested in improving responses to this population. • Part III raises future implementation issues.* This paper is written in recognition of the current need for a strategic approach to address the overrepresentation of people with mental health and substance use disorders in the justice system, and the impact their treatment has on public safety and health. An underlying principle of this project—and at the heart of this white paper—is that many individuals with behavioral health disorders under correctional control have diverse and complicated needs, but with appropriate supervision and services are capable of recovery and ending their criminal justice involvement. The framework is meant to facilitate agency accountability, promote cross-systems coordination and collaboration, encourage individuals’ recovery, and make communities safer for everyone. *This white paper will be complemented by a summary of the framework and a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. As a follow-up to this project, the team hopes to provide additional information on screening and assessment strategies for criminogenic risk and substance use and mental health needs. A system planning document and research agenda are also being planned.