Access to Healthcare Among Young Adult Probationers Participating in a Pilot Health-Focused Reentry Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Justice-involved adults face significant healthcare access disparities.
• Young adults transitioning from the justice system are a vulnerable population with unique healthcare needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 6-month Service Navigation and Health Coaching intervention on healthcare access for young adult probationers.
• To assess changes in health insurance status, healthcare service utilization, and unmet healthcare needs.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 66 young adult probationers.
• Intervention included 6 months of Service Navigation and Health Coaching.
• Data collected at baseline, 6-month follow-up, and via satisfaction surveys.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in health insurance coverage (66% to 88%).
• Significant increase in healthcare service utilization (36% to 71%).
• Significant decrease in reported unmet physical healthcare needs (44% to 26%).
• Participants reported improved self-efficacy, motivation, and essential life skills.

Conclusions:

• Service Navigation and Health Coaching effectively improved healthcare access for justice-involved young adults.
• The intervention shows promise in mitigating healthcare disparities within this population.
• Further longitudinal research is recommended to confirm sustained outcomes and impact on health status.