Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #9 - Management and Treatment of the Mentally Ill and Mentally Unwell in Corrections (ACJ9-A001)

Article 1: An Overview Of Best Practice Strategies For Managing And Treating The Mentally Ill In Correction (ACJ9-A001)

Abstract

This paper outlines some possible practical responses to the challenge of managing the mentally ill in corrections. Part I helps us contextualize the issue, especially as it pertains to the origins and prevalence of the problem of the mentally ill in corrections. Part II then attempts to sketch out some current best practice examples of: (a) appropriate and encompassing evidence-informed policies and strategies for dealing with the mentally ill and other special needs offenders; (b) programmatic alternatives, before imprisonment as diversionary measures, during incarceration and after release into the community, (c) systematized approaches for assessing needs, monitoring behavior and evaluating impact of interventions; and finally, (d) training and skills development of staff members both to sensitize them to the unique needs and characteristics of these offenders and equip them to respond more professionally.

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Author

Frank Porporino

Corrections & Criminal Justice Consultant, ACFP & ICPA, Canada

Frank Porporino has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has sustained a close to 50-year career in corrections as a front-line practitioner, senior manager, researcher, educator, trainer, and consultant. Frank has promoted evidence-informed practice throughout his career and his contributions have been recognized with awards from a number of associations including the ACA, ICCA, Volunteers of America and the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA). Early in his career, Frank founded the Research Branch of Corrections Canada, an internationally recognized leader in applied research in corrections that has recently celebrated its 35th Anniversary. Frank was also a founding member of the HMMPS Correctional Services Accreditation Panel, a best practice review committee that was subsequently emulated by many jurisdictions.

He has remained active internationally providing training and technical assistance in effective practice in over 25 countries, most recently in Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Japan and Namibia. Currently Frank is serving as Editor of the ICPA practitioner-oriented Journal, Advancing Corrections, Chair of the ICPA R&D Network, member of the ICPA Practice Transfer Advisory Committee and Board Member and Secretary for the ICPA-North America Chapter. He has been a member of many ACA Committees, was a past member of the ICPA Board of Directors and is also Past-President of the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP).

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #9 - Management and Treatment of the Mentally Ill and Mentally Unwell in Corrections (ACJ9-A001)

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