Addressing the Increased Risk of Correctional Supervision Failure for Offenders with Mental Illness

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Offenders who suffer from mental illness are at an increased risk of correctional supervision failure. Correctional supervision requirements include maintaining employment, paying fines and/or fees, and meeting with correctional supervision officers on a regular basis. Some jurisdictions have specialty courts for offenders with mental illness. These mental health courts often have more strict requirements for offenders under supervision. Offenders suffering from mental illness may have difficulty avoiding supervision violations while negotiating through mental health courts. Adding additional requirements such as required treatment or more strict supervision may add to the risk of failure. Just as other special populations require a unique approach, offenders with mental illness may benefit from a modified correctional supervision to be successful.

Authors

• Keith Satterwhite, University of Houston - Downtown

• Krista Gehring, University of Houston - Downtown