38. Behind Bars: The Role of Jails in Behavioral Healthcare

In this episode, we delve into the crucial but often overlooked role of jails in the behavioral healthcare system. We explore how jails have become default mental health treatment centers, discussing issues like medication management, counseling, and ensuring consistent care. Challenges such as completing treatment, competency to stand trial, and managing violent behavior are examined. We also consider solutions like diversion programs, increased services, and early interventions. Additionally, we analyze data and research findings on the intersection of behavioral healthcare and the criminal justice system, touching on real-world examples such as Omaha's new jail with a behavioral health wing and Oregon's drug decriminalization plan. Join us as we navigate this complex issue and explore avenues for improvement.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Grasp systemic challenges in behavioral health and their effects on individuals.
• Uncover how jails become default mental health care hubs, affecting inmates and society.
• Explore creative diversion programs supporting those with mental health issues.
• Examine the mental health repercussions of incarceration and ways to enhance support.
• Discover the importance of community-based aid for a comprehensive mental health approach.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the podcast

 00:02:18 - Deinstitutionalization and the rise of incarceration

 00:05:18 - Benefits of mental health care in jails

 00:08:15 - Challenges in jail mental health care

 00:10:45 - The impact of drug use on mental health and incarceration

 00:12:40 - Framing the Conversation with Data and Solutions

 00:13:14 - Importance of Differentiation and Community-based Support

 00:14:08 - Role in Parole and Reentry

 00:15:34 - Housing that Heals and Community Supervision

 00:20:47 - Diversion Programs and Legislative Impact

 00:24:54 - Incarceration and Mental Health

 00:25:32 - Intersect of Crime and Behavioral Health

 00:27:14 - Consequences of Decriminalization

 00:29:15 - Importance of Partnerships

 00:31:30 - Self-Care and Seasonal Changes

Links:

• https://namica.org/community-voices/team-nami-spotlight-housing-that-heals-project-report
• https://www.samhsa.gov/criminal-juvenile-justice/about
• https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/05-2022/mental_health_reentry.html
• https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/mhppji.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9578298/
• https://www.mhanational.org/issues/access-mental-health-care-and-incarceration
• https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/trend/archive/fall-2023/for-too-many-with-mental-illness-incarceration-is-the-default

Connect with us:
https://ruralpolicypartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/In_l086021A