Mental Health Services in Texas Jails

Abstract

Jails and prisons in the United States have become the places where people with mental illness go. Texas jails were surveyed in 2012 to learn how they screened inmates for mental illness. Of these jails, 13% responded. Most screened for suicidal ideation and whether or not an inmate took a medicine. About half the jails offered in-house care, and the other half referred inmates to the local mental health authority. Most jails had a formal jail diversion program, and most thought that mental health illness was increasing. About half had an annual 4-hour training program for staff. Recommendations are made for future care in jails.