Reintegration of offenders with mental illnesses is challenging for the US criminal and juvenile justice systems, as this population has unique needs that should be addressed. The prevalence rates of mental illness among convicts is challenging to measure, and estimations vary from 7% to 26% (Fazel et al., 2016). However, the occurrence of mental health disorders is even higher among juvenile offenders, as 50%-75% of this population fits the criteria for at least one disorder (Underwood, & Washington, 2016). The present paper aims at assessing the unique needs of juvenile offenders with mental illnesses in comparison with their adult counterparts and identifying effective strategies for their rehabilitation.
Needs Assessment
Reintegration of adult offenders with mental illnesses poses a considerable problem for the US criminal justice system and communities. According to Abadinsky (2018), the most common illnesses that occur in prison are depression, bipolar disorders, or schizophrenia, aggravated by other co-existing conditions. In particular, inmates often have substance use disorder that poses significant problems for rehabilitation (Abadinsky, 2018). Correctional facilities usually stabilize acute conditions and sometimes overmedicate inmates to control behavioral issues (Abadinsky, 2018). The problem is aggravated by the fact that medical records are kept poorly or not transferred correctly to the case managers (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1998). Mental illnesses often co-exist with substance use disorder, which also requires continuous treatment upon release. Additionally, apart from unique needs, adult offenders with mental issues face problems common for other offenders. Therefore, the population requires medication planning, career guidance, housing, psychological support, substance use treatment, and mental treatment.
The needs of juvenile offenders with mental conditions differ from those of their counterparts. The rehabilitation of young delinquents depends upon the efficiency of four systems, including education, child protection, juvenile justice, and mental health. Juvenile offenders often need the support of more than one or even all four of these systems (Underwood, & Washington, 2016). Therefore, it is clear that case managers need to manage more stakeholders when dealing with the youth, in comparison with adult offenders. Additionally, work with the family is required to ensure the effectiveness of rehabilitation (National Conference of State Legislators [NCSL], n.d.). Juvenile offenders also need more careful screening and assessment for mental conditions, as symptoms of the illnesses may mimic developmental changes of the adolescents, which creates a risk of unnecessary treatment (NCSL, n.d.). The understanding of the unique needs of populations is vital for successful reintegration.
Reintegration: Requirements, Strategies, and Challenges
In order to start reintegration in the society, the member of the population under analysis need to meet specific requirements. The general requirement that applies to both juvenile and adult offenders is the absence of danger to public safety (NCSL, n.d.). This criterion is assessed by the probation officers and the judge during the hearing (Abadinsky, 2018). Moreover, both populations need to have access to mental health services to continue ongoing treatment, as release to the community without these services may be dangerous (NCSL, n.d.). Moreover, juvenile offenders also need to have access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and education (Underwood, & Washington, 2016). Moreover, the release is possible only into a non-hostile family environment, where there is no threat to life and well-being.
The central aim of effective strategies for social reintegration is stabilizing the offender’s illness, enhancing independent functioning, minimizing recidivism, managing the offender’s violence and impulses, and structuring the convict’s daily life (Griffiths et al., 2007). In order to reach these objectives, a case manager will need to effectively collaborate with all the four systems to create connections between them. I would also try to adopt the philosophy of harm reduction and pay special attention to sanctions for technical violations that may occur. I will also use strict control over substance abuse, as it is a common co-occurring condition. However, while applying these strategies, I would meet the challenge of managing a wide variety of stakeholders. Moreover, I will have difficulties assessing the condition of the offenders, as the changes in the behavior may be due to developmental changes, substance misuse, or mental illnesses. I will need to use my collaboration, communication, time and priority management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion: Personal Strengths
My experience of communicating with mentally ill patients will be of considerable help in supervising the population under analysis. I also have knowledge about treatment strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, acceptance, and commitment therapy, as well as different pharmacological therapies for addressing mental illnesses and substance misuse. I also know how to use meditation and distinguish between professional and personal life to prevent burnout. I plan to use these self-care strategies in my supervision of offenders with mental illnesses.
References
Abadinsky, H. (2018). Probation and parole: Corrections in the community (13th ed.). Pearson Education.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1998). Continuity of offender treatment for substance use disorders from institution to community. NCBI.
Fazel, S., Hayes, A., Bartellas, K., Clerici, M., & Trestman, R. (2016). Mental health of prisoners: Prevalence, adverse outcomes, and interventions. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(9), 871-881.
Griffiths, C.T., Dandurand, Y., & Murdoch, D. (2007). The social reintegration of offenders and crime prevention. Public Safety.
National Conference of State Legislators. (n.d.). Mental health needs of juvenile offenders:
Juvenile justice guide book for legislators. NCSL.
Underwood, L., & Washington, A. (2016). Mental illness and juvenile offenders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(2), 228.