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Incarceration Among Chronically Homeless Adults: Clinical Correlates and Outcomes

NCJ Number
240379
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: July - September 2012 Pages: 307-324
Author(s)
Jack Tsai Ph.D.; Robert A. Rosenheck M.D.
Date Published
August 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study categorized 751 chronically homeless adults enrolled in supported housing programs into three groups.
Abstract
This study categorized 751 chronically homeless adults enrolled in supported housing programs into three groups: participants who reported no history of incarceration (n = 221; 29 percent), those who reported being incarcerated for a total of one year or less (n = 267; 36 percent), and those who reported being incarcerated for a total of more than one year (n = 263; 35 percent). Although participants who reported an incarceration history also reported more extensive histories of substance abuse and homelessness than those who reported no incarceration history, there were no differences in these outcomes over one year in supported housing. However, participants with incarceration periods longer than 10 years did have worse drug use outcomes than those with no history of incarceration. These findings underscore the benefits that chronically homeless adults with incarceration histories can derive from supported housing programs and support efforts to eliminate barriers to independent housing for this population. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.