MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES IN UNITED-STATES JAILS - A SURVEY OF INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

This study used a stratified sample to elicit information about polici es and practices for managing detainees with mental illnesses in five sizes of jails. The research design involved 3 phases: (a) a mail surv ey to a random sampling of all United States jails, (b) a telephone su rvey to a stratified sample of 100 of the mail survey respondents, and (c) site visits to 10 jails. The findings indicated much emphasis in the jails' mental health services on screening, evaluation, and suicid e prevention. Also, despite numerous barriers faced by jails in provid ing treatment for detainees with mental illnesses, many have designed and implemented innovative programs and policies for this group. The o bserved innovative programs and policies are divided into 5 core areas so that other jails, using the information provided, can develop a me ntal health service strategy within their resources.