Incarceration

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, released Data on Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes from Prisons and Jails: Results from a Feasibility Study. The study examined the availability and quality of data, the respondent burden, and the challenges of collecting data on the health and health care of pregnant women in custody at the federal, state, local and tribal levels. BJS will use the findings of this study to help determine the best strategies for implementing national data collections in correctional settings.

This study links parental incarceration to adolescent substance use in rural communities. The data is state-specific and pulls from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey in which adolescents self-reported experiences. Results concluded that parental incarceration was associated with higher substance use and expanded prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents could help reduce the rates.

Substance use is a major health issue among individuals in custody, and for these individuals, withdrawal from substances can be life-threatening. Jurisdictions have a pressing responsibility to save lives by implementing policies and protocol that align with legal, regulatory, and clinical standards related to appropriate withdrawal management. Recently released Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails sets forth best clinical practices and actionable guidance for jails. This presentation discussed readiness for implementation, key components of implementation, and solutions for implementation in local communities and jails. Learning Objectives: -Assessed readiness for implementing a comprehensive and appropriate multidisciplinary approach to withdrawal management. -Discussed action steps for building community support. -Identified resources for training and technical assistance to implement the Guidelines. Presenter: Linda J. Frazier, B.S, M.A., RN, MCHES Principal Consultant, Advocate for Human Potential, Inc.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP), and Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has provided a curated resource list for corrections officers and other jail staff members manage the well-being of individuals in jail custody who have SUD. The categories of resources were prioritized by participants in a jail practitioner roundtable on opioid-related training needs convened by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network held a webinar highlighting findings from and the development of SAMHSA's Guide "Best Practices for Successful Reentry From Criminal Justice Settings for People Living With Mental Health Conditions and/or Substance Use Disorders". The slides, and recording, as well as SAMSHSA's guide, is available now. 

With a large number of individuals incarcerated in the United States, there is a growing problem with the effects it can have on a person's health. The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) has provided an infographic detailing the effects, health conditions, and growing inequality people live with while incarcerated.

Just 5 years ago, only 1% of jails and prisons provided MOUD, but this practice has flourished. Dr. Costello discussed the emerging evidence base for MOUD in jails, regulatory changes, funding opportunities, and the dramatic increase in usage of MOUD in our nation's correctional facilities.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Institute of Corrections published the Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails: A Tool for Local Government Officials, Jail Administrators, Correctional Officers, and Health Care Professionals to help increase access to evidence-based treatment for individuals with SUD and those who are at risk for overdose. There is a high prevalence of SUD among individuals who are incarcerated. Withdrawal while incarcerated is less discussed, but still poses a risk for individuals. The guidelines were created to help jail administrators protect the health and rights of people incarcerated.

This webinar will describe a unique clinic model called the Center for Inclusion Health (CIH) Rethinking Incarceration and Empowering Recovery (RIvER) Clinic. The presenters will utilize this model to discuss the importance of community engagement and community health workers in engaging with the previously incarcerated population.

During Second Chance Month, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing a comprehensive strategy that expands Incarceration to Employment opportunities, as well as the following concrete policy actions as part of a whole-of-government effort to advance employment, bolster reentry, empower formerly incarcerated persons, and strengthen our communities and our economy.