IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR INMATES WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
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Authors
Lassiter, Alfonso A.
Subjects
mental health
mental illness
inmates
incarceration
prison
jail
patient
community
psychology
therapy
mental health conditions
MHCs
mental illness
inmates
incarceration
prison
jail
patient
community
psychology
therapy
mental health conditions
MHCs
Advisors
Matei, Cristiana
Morag, Nadav
Date of Issue
2023-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores what can be done to improve the quality of life of U.S. inmates who suffer from mental health conditions (MHCs). To that end, this thesis uses a comparative analysis of correctional methods applied in the United States and Norway. These two case studies were selected because Norwegian prisons have spectacularly low recidivism rates compared to the American correctional system. The analysis shows that American prisons focus on punitive corrections while Norwegian prisons focus on rehabilitation. American inmates with MHCs could benefit from some of Norway’s penal philosophies such as decreasing the ratio of inmates to corrections officers, building smaller prisons designed for rehabilitation and mental health therapy, and federalizing all prisons. Federalizing all prisons would help mitigate the challenges corrections officials face when trying to secure appropriate levels of funding, which directly impact the quality of programming, staffing, and training. Moreover, providing mental health, employment, and educational opportunities to inmates with MHCs while they are incarcerated contributes to improving their quality of life once they are released.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.