Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dr. Debra Wilson

Abstract

For decades, the representation of adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) in the criminal justice system has steadily grown despite public recognition and increased federal implementation of mental health courts and diversion programs. Though more is known about risk factors associated with psychiatric and criminal recidivism among this population, a gap in the literature remains on collaborative interventions and continuity of care between inpatient mental health and criminal justice facilities. Grounded in resilience theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine challenges social workers faced when attempting to facilitate discharge planning between inpatient mental health facilities and correctional institutions, as well as explored social work practice considerations to ensure continuity of care. A purposeful sample of ten social workers who were familiar with working in Georgia’s inpatient hospitals with adult offenders experiencing SPMI were interviewed in two focus groups. Data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparison. Findings revealed that social workers often faced challenges with regard to community resources, basic needs, judicial and political concerns, stigma, criminal charges, and forensic status. Some strategies suggested to mitigate discharge planning concerns included building community rapport, improving collaboration, eliciting multidisciplinary input, ensuring accountability, psychoeducation, strengthening empowerment, and advocacy. The results of this study can be used to influence positive social change by encouraging collaborative efforts to strengthen services and engagement in advocacy regarding social policies and discharge planning processes impacting adult offenders with SPMI.

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