ABSTRACT
This chapter presents and discusses some of the challenges faced by inmates and correctional staff during a prolonged period of incarceration for person with mental illness (PwMI). It presents solutions to these challenges. The chapter outlines key diversion strategy options available at Intercept Three, prior to their release, trial, or conviction, including correctional treatment, forensic services, forensic commitment or conditional community release, evaluation for competency and/or insanity, and transfer of a case to specialized mental health courts. A substantial number of inmates suffer from major depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma. It concerns suicide with respect to the continued correctional management of PwMI who are already at high risk for self-injury. Forensic hospitals are secure treatment facilities that are geared toward housing persons with serious mental illness who have most likely been court ordered and committed to a state department that oversees mental health services. The chapter discusses forensic case management and state forensic hospitals.
