Understanding Experiences of Cross-system Utilization

• In Event: Journeying through Systems of Health Care and Justice: Understanding the Phenomenon of “Cross-Systems Utilization”

Abstract

During routine patrol and service calls, law enforcement officers encounter individuals affected by physical and behavioral health risks as well as housing instability. Serving as a 24-hour residual social service, police have the capacity to influence individuals’ contact with and access to community-based resources. As part of a larger study designed to develop and test a police diversion or “deflection” tool, this presentation shares qualitative interview findings from interviews with people experiencing dual system usage. Based on a phenomenological approach to analysis, this presentation compares the experiences of service users, highlighting their perspectives on individual, situational and place-based factors that contribute to repeat cross-system involvement. The presentation aims to show the value of using in-depth qualitative data to complement the population-level insights of integrated administrative data.

Authors

• Jennifer Wood, Temple University

• Evangelica Juarez, Temple University