Are Jails Replacing the Mental Health System for the Homeless Mentally Ill?
Description:
The author explores the process of how homeless mentally ill persons become involved with the criminal justice system. The unique demands of homelessness and chronic mental illness were specifically examined in this naturalistically based study. The author concludes that a combination of severe mental illness, a tendency to decompensate in a nonstructured environment, and an inability or unwillingness to follow through with aftercare contributed to involvement with the criminal justice system. Changes in the mental health system that would prevent the criminalization of the homeless mentally ill are suggested.This paper is based in part on research supported by grant #717632 from the Office of Program Evaluation and Research, Ohio Department of Mental Health.
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
1988
Volume:
24
Issue:
3
Pages:
185-195
Location:
New York