Follow-Up Study of Penitentiary Inmates Under Psychiatric Care: Description of Background Residence, Relapse, and Recidivism Factors

• NCJ Number: 114890
• Journal: Criminologie Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (1988) Pages: 27-61
• Author(s): S Hodgins; M Cyr; J Paquet; P Lamy
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 35 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: French
• Country: Canada

Annotation

While severe mental disorders have consistently been shown to be more prevalent among inmates of penal institutions than among the general population, the provision of mental health services within jails, prisons, and penitentiaries has been and continues to be problematic.

Abstract

The present investigation examined the impact on patients of one organizational model of mental health care among 99 Canadian penitentiary inmates who were transferred to a maximum security hospital for varying periods of time. These men were followed for 3 years postdischarge. Relapse and criminal recidivism were documented from official files, and interviews were conducted at the end of the followup period to examine their level of social functioning and mental state. Specific conclusions are drawn about the ways in which mental health care was provided and the benefit accrued to patients. 5 tables, 2 notes, and 43 references. (Author abstract modified)