Why is it important to screen and assess for mental health and substance use disorders at jail and prison intake and at release?
Prior to incarceration, many individuals have not received treatment, which may be due in part to the limited access in most communities to publicly funded treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. Estimates indicate that only 10 percent of individuals with substance use disorders receive treatment and 11.4 percent of individuals with co-occurring serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders receive care for both.15 Screening and assessment on intake and release are critical personal and public health opportunities that must not be missed. They can detect people who have not been diagnosed or treated previously, and help ensure uninterrupted care for those who have. The information obtained through the screening and assessment process should follow the individual through the criminal justice system and be used to match the individual to appropriate treatment services while incarcerated and upon release.
Related Questions
- The registered owner of the vehicle is in jail/prison and wants to release the vehicle and/or property located in the vehicle to me. What should I do?
- Why is it so important to help individuals apply for public benefits prior to release from prison and jail whenever possible?
- Do many justice-involved youth with mental health disorders also have substance use disorders?
