Prisoners with Special Needs
David Stevens
CJS/255
May 30, 2016
Sherri Webster

Special needs, mentally ill, and substance-abusing prisoners affect the jail and prison systems at a state and federal level in a multitude of ways. One of the main issues within prisons is the fact that their mental health services can be seriously inadequate and lacking the proper staffing, all while operating in facilities that are not equipped to handle such prisoners, on top of a limited amount of programs to even help these prisoners with their problems. If these prisoners are not cared for properly, it could lead to deteriorating conditions for the prisoners.
State and Federal Levels are Affected Jails and prisons are not meant to be home to
According to the CUCS (2013):
“Among the strategies CUCS is using within the prison system: * Teaching concrete skills and strategies for better managing the inmate's illness * Customized WSM to include concrete strategies and skills for managing life while incarcerated * Assisting in transition to the community by customizing WSM to include a concentration of planning for transition to the community * Evaluating the extent to which WSM improves participant outcomes in several areas including: increased understanding of mental illness and strategies to manage their illness; reduction in disciplinary actions while incarcerated; and improved rates of successful transition back into the community * Provide training to staff working on-site in correctional facilities.”
This program is helping the inmates in these facilities to cope with their illnesses and learn about them and how to better handle themselves. It teaches them how to deal with their illnesses while being locked up and also how to deal with them after being released. This program allows these individuals to talk with others who have illnesses and to learn to help each other. It is a program that one can only hope will spread like a wildfire throughout the United States correctional system. The CUCS (2013) states “Michael F. Hogan, PhD, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, said,