Biography
Biography: Liya Xie
Abstract
Objective: Globally, incarcerated populations have a higher prevalence of both acute and chronic health conditions than the general population. In 2010, Alberta brought Correctional Health under the Ministry of Health to provide accredited health services and intervention programs for the most high risk and vulnerable inmates. Continuity of care after release is a key component of ensuring effective care. In June 2015, Calgary Corrections Transition Team (CTT) was fully implemented to assist and support inmates with mental health and addiction issues to develop release plans for successful reintegration to the community. The purpose of this study is to analyze the usage of psychiatric services through CTT post release.
Methods: Administrative and clinical CTT data between 2016 and 2019 were used to identify the barriers to successful transition of clients from correctional health care to community mental health care.
Results: Among the CTT referrals, 2621 cases (85%) were accepted, 85% of them were male. As part of their release plans, 333 (14.4%) were referred to forensic psychiatric outpatient services but only 250 clients (75%) used this service. The most significant diagnoses are: mood and anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, adjustment disorder, and ADHD. Many of them have dual diagnoses.
Conclusion: CTT has made great contributions to bridging the gaps between correctional mental health care and community mental health care. Unsuccessful transition is related to systemic and individual barriers, such as financial and housing difficulties, clients’ relapse on substances, mental instability, lack of motivation, violent history, and so on. We should advocate for change in policy and practice that will remove barriers to access and improve continuity of care.