Recidivism In Prisons

An estimated 650,000 offenders are released from prisons each year. Most generally leave with only a few dollars, some clothes, and possibly a bus ticket. Release practices like this are common and can be especially disastrous for mentally ill inmates. If immediately released without access to health care, the mentally ill will suffer from interruption of continuity of care. In prison, they may have been receiving medication, therapy, or other forms of treatment. Interruption of care could lead to excelled deterioration in their mental health. This tends to lead to a higher rate of recidivism among mentally-ill former prisoners. (Hummert, 2011.).
A contributing factor of the lack of health care for released mentally ill inmates

is that while in prison their Medicaid may have been terminated. States are not permitted to receive federal reimbursement for the cost of services provided to incarcerated individuals. Officials have indicated that they terminate instead of simply suspending Medicaid in order to prevent any confusion that may lead to wrongful billing. Other medical benefits may lapse if an individual is incarcerated for more than a year. Social Security benefits are also immediately suspended upon incarceration. If the individual is incarcerated for more than a year, they will have to reapply for benefits. (Hummert, 2011.).
There are several other reasons why mentally ill offenders may have higher rates of recidivism.

They may find it more difficult to get housing, obtain employment, and may have higher re-occurring substance abuse issues. Although, offenders without mental illness may face the same challenges, it is assumed that the mental disorder only adds to the increased chances of recidivism when unable to obtain necessities to be successful while living independently. Inadequacies in the very systems that are designed to assist in reintegration may actually exacerbate barriers faced by mentally ill offenders. An example of this is that many community-based advocacy and treatment programs are ill-prepared to meet the unique need of mentally disordered offenders. There also is issues with overloaded case managers and the lack of funding to increase staff positions. Specialized treatment programs are needed for mentally ill offenders. (Torgersen, 2013).One study conducted in a small New York State prison found that 64 percent of mentally ill offenders who were returned to the community were re-arrested and returned to prison within 18 months of release compared to 60 percent of offenders without a mental illness diagnoses (Hall, Miraglia, Lee,Chard-Wierschem, & Sawyer, 2012). While not a major difference in percentage rates the study does prove that prisoners with mental health diagnoses appear to be more prone to re-entry if they are unable to link with proper resources in the community. (Torgerson,

2013).