An Assessment of Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in the Mississippi Delta

• In Event: Treating Mental Health: From Initial Contact to Reentry

Abstract

Youth with mental health issues who are released from care are more likely to succeed if they have access to needed services within the community. About 66 %– 85% of juvenile offenders in the state of Mississippi met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder, and approximately 23,000, (9.2%) per year from 2009 – 2013 reported using illicit drugs. Reentry planning for these juveniles should begin before they leave the facility and should involve the family and relevant community resources. This research aims to investigate the reentry planning for juveniles in the Mississippi Delta. Using the Reintegration Continuum Model, we will assess the reentry planning for youths leaving detention facilities and youth on a probation disposition; their use of the mental health and substance abuse resources within the community, and the interactions between the youth, their families and mental health providers. An exploratory study design will be employed to better understand the reentry and aftercare planning care for these youths; their families’ experiences with the mental health and substances abuse services; and service providers’ experiences in the delivery of services to this population. Data will be collected through the use of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Authors

• Sherill Veen Morris-Francis, Mississippi Valley State University

• Rochelle E. McGee-Cobbs, Mississippi Valley State University

• O. Oko Elechi, Mississippi Valley State University