ABSTRACT

This chapter presents a framework for reducing recidivism and behavioral health problems among individuals who are under correctional control or supervision in the community; in other words, individuals who are on probation or parole. It provides a description of consumer needs post-commitment and the potential for inter-agency collaboration, with the goal of identifying and overcoming barriers to adjusting successfully in the community. The chapter reviews the issues pertaining to person with mental illness who are under community-based correctional supervision and the circumstances that have led to the need for alternative responses. It focuses on systematic barriers to access mental health and other services in the community. There have also been more controversial attempts at increasing access to and utilization of services for persons with mental illness who are considered at risk of harming themselves or someone else. Research has shown that recidivism among offenders with mental illness is a widespread problem in which many factors affect frequently negative outcomes.