Question

How do special needs, mentally ill, and substance-abusing prisoners affect the jail and prison systems at state and federal levels?

Answer 1

Answer:

Prisoners with Special Needs There are several different types of offenders in prison. Among the prison population are mentally ill prisoners, special needs offenders, and substance-abusing offenders. These special offenders affect the jail and prison systems at state and federal levels because they require special attention. If they do not receive special attention, they can harm themselves or others, or become sick from substance related illnesses. Special needs inmates affect state and federal prison systems because it costs them more money to care for these inmates and their needs.Special facilities have to be built to house these inmates, which can cost millions of dollars. The cost of medication and psychiatric help for mentally ill and substance abusing prisoners cost the state a lot of money. In a 2006 Special Report, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that there were 705,600 mentally ill adults in State prisons, 479,900 in local jails and 78,800 in Federal prisons. Research also proposed that "people with mental illnesses are over represented in probation and parole populations at estimated rates ranging from two to four time the general population". The growing numbers of mentally ill criminals have strained the correctional systems.Mentally ill offenders must have access to psychiatric health, mental health therapies, psychotropic medications, and types of special offenders need to be separated from the rest of the prison population to prevent them from hurting other inmates. They also must be monitored at all times so they do not harm themselves. Substance abusing offenders require a variety of drug treatment programs, specialized medical care for drug-related illnesses, and mental health treatment as well. Prison security must ensure that substance-abusing inmates to not gain access to drugs in prison. Substance-abusing and mentally ill inmates have a higher chance of re offending when they are released from prison or jail. Many of them are re-incarcerated shortly after. It is important to maintain treatment for mentally ill and substance-abusing offenders in prison to help prevent them from re-entering prison once they are released. Inmates receive healthcare while they are incarcerated, and once they are released, many of them are unable to receive treatment. This results in re-offenses.The Federal Bureau of Prisons created a drug abuse treatment strategy over 20 years ago.This is the longest running drug abuse program in Bureau history Drug treatment studies for the population in prison have found that programs that are well-designed and use effective program elements have proved to reduce drug relapse, reduce criminality,reduce re offending, reduce inmate conduct, reduce mental illness, reduce behavioral disorders, increase the level of the inmate’s stake in social norms, increase education levels and

employment upon reentry into society, improve health and mental health symptoms and conditions, and improve relationships. The Bureau of Prisons has several strategies. Among these are Drug Abuse Education, Nonresidential Drug Abuse Treatment, Residential Drug Abuse Program, Community Transition Drug Abuse Treatment, and Regional Transition Drug Abuse Treatment. All of these strategies are expected to treat the drug addiction of inmates and help them overcome the temptation to relapse when they are released.The Georgia Department of Corrections has substance abuse services for its inmates who are battling substance abuse. The United States Department of Justice follows a number of principles for the services that the Georgia Department of Corrections offers. The Department educates staff and inmates on how drug addiction affects behavior. It also teaches that assessment is the first step in treatment. Different offenders have different needs, so the services are “custom - made” for each offender in order to create a successful drug treatment. Effective treatment and management of the problem is vital in recovery from drug treatment. In order to see a positive behavioral change in the offenders, the treatment must last long enough to produce this change. The offenders should be monitored closely to ensure that they are not using drugs during treatment. Treatment should also target influences associated with criminal behavior. For drug abusers who are re-entering the community, continuing this treatment or care is essential.Balancing sanctions and rewards will encourage pro-social behavior in offenders.