Challenges in residential treatment for prisoners with mental illness: a follow-up report

The October 2002 issue of Archives of Psychiatric Nursing reported on the design of a prison-based mental health program implemented during the mid-1990s. The aim of this program was to reduce debilitating symptoms and promote coping skills, thereby enhancing both the functional status and the clinical management of mentally ill prisoners. This article presents a qualitative study of the same program conducted in 2001-2003 and describes critical issues facing mental health providers, correctional officers, and prisoners involved in this program today. Of key interest is how subsequent developments have eroded the original focus of the program.