Building Bridges: An Act to Reduce Recidivism by Improving Access to Benefits for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities Upon Release From Incarceration


 

Publication Date: March 2002

Publisher: Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Author(s):

Research Area: Health; Justice

Keywords: Federal disability benefits; Bridge programs; Model law; Medicaid

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

As the number of people with psychiatric disabilities in jails and prisons continues to rise, prison officials, state lawmakers and mental health advocates have become increasingly concerned about the effect of this trend on inmates, staff and state budgets. Building Bridges offers states a strategy to reduce recidivism and help recently released inmates with psychiatric disabilities successfully transition to community life.