Mental Illness & Housing Insecurity Among Former Inmates

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Media, Activism, and Dimensions of Mental Health

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss issues of securing housing among former inmates, particularly those who have mental health and addictions issues. There is a consensus in the literature indicating that the rates of mental health problems among inmates is clearly higher than the rates of the general population (Michalski, 2016; Jones et al., 2021; Kurdyak, 2021; Mussie et al., 2021). Studies have also found that homelessness is associated with significantly higher rates of reincarceration and re-offending (Jones et al., 2021). There is also connection between individuals who have mental health and substance issues, levels of police interaction and criminal justice involvement. Those who have mental health issues have higher levels of police interaction and in turn more likely to re-offend (Jones et al., 2021; Kouyoumdjian et al., 2019). The literature confirms that there is a need for better transition and community services for individuals being released from the correctional system. This presentation will highlight why housing and mental illness is a significant problem in Canada and provide recommendations for policy reform. The presentation will also discuss the need for a coordinated response between the government and the community to help individuals with mental illness and addiction issues.

Author

• Joana Jabson, University of Toronto