The Impact of Mental Health and Institutional Program Participation on Recidivism

• In Event: Reentry and Recidivism

Abstract

It is well-documented that the United States has the highest prison incarceration rate, housing almost 22% of all incarcerated inmates worldwide (Walmsley, 2013). Within this high incarceration rate, there is an overrepresentation of those suffering from mental illness. In an effort to rehabilitate offenders within correctional facilities, various institutional programs (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, educational/vocational programs, and substance abuse programs) are implemented to promote successful reentry of offenders back into the community. However, there is a lack of research examining participation in such programs among those with mental health issues, and few studies address how such participation affects recidivism. Using a sample of inmates under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Corrections (NCDPS/DAC), the relationship between mental health of inmates and program participation is examined to determine if appropriate participation is occurring among those with mental health symptoms, and if such participation reduces subsequent reoffending. Policy implications based on the findings of the current study are discussed.

Authors

• David DiMaggio, North Carolina 25th District Attorney's Office

• Beverly Crank, Appalachian State University