Articles tagged with Imprisonment
Researchers found that expanding access to methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone in prisons and jails can significantly reduce overdose deaths by 31.6% in certain circumstances. The study suggests that continuity of care is key to maximizing public health impact.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 317 US mental health units in correctional facilities, finding that most units offered group therapy and had dedicated staff. The review suggests that smaller unit sizes and more individualized services could improve outcomes for inmates with serious mental illness.
A new analysis found COVID-19 cases among prisoners are 5.5 times higher and death rate 3 times higher than the general population. The study analyzed 42,107 cases and 510 deaths in prisons from March to June 2020.
A Rutgers-led study finds that incarceration and police discrimination contribute to higher rates of psychological distress, HIV risk, and lower willingness to take PrEP among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. The research highlights the need for anti-racist and anti-heterosexist advocacy and interventions to address ...
New studies from Flinders University highlight key areas for improvement in HIV management in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan regions. Nutritional programs should address underlying challenges like poverty and food insecurity, while prisons often struggle with optimal HIV care due to stigma and resource limitations.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine emphasizes the importance of addressing risks in correctional facilities and marginalized communities. Researchers outline guidelines to mitigate transmission and protect workers and prisoners, as well as caution about existing health disparities and potential exacerbation of stigma.
The COVID Recession has disproportionately affected workers with disabilities, with a 20% decline in employment for those with disabilities compared to a 14% decline for those without disabilities. The FAIR program in Louisiana is helping formerly incarcerated individuals with disabilities access services and supports.
A study by NYU researchers found that peer support specialists with criminal and psychiatric histories can lead more empowered, meaningful, and productive lives. The role offers a possibility for employment despite past limitations, leading to increased hope and community reintegration.
The US prison and jail system faces significant challenges in preventing COVID-19 transmission, according to a new study. The authors emphasize the need for effective policies and programs to minimize the spread of the virus.
Dr Philippa Tomczak has been awarded a £1.2m grant to reconceptualise prison regulation, including representatives from multiple sectors and stakeholder groups. This will enable a step change in prison regulation and boost potential improvements in prison safety.
University of Oregon researchers conclude that many Americans can be classified as dehumanizers, with views on social harms predicting attitudes towards immigrants. The study found that those who endorse harsh policies on gun rights and the death penalty are more likely to dehumanize immigrants.
A visitor's garden at an Iowa Correctional Institution for Women is strengthening connections between incarcerated women and their children, with 90% of visitors saying it made their visit better. The garden provides a child-friendly environment, improved affective experience, and home-like visiting space.
Early March data shows positive news for people with disabilities in employment-to-population ratio, but declines expected in next month's Jobs Report. The Women's Project provides critical services to women with special needs transitioning from the justice system, including job training and placement.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that teeth contain annual layers, or cementum bands, that record an individual's life experiences, including reproduction and menopause. The research uses microscopic examination to reveal connections between tooth formation and other life stages.
A South African study reveals that most teenagers who leave children's homes do not engage in criminal activities, with about three-quarters reporting no involvement. However, a small percentage of care-leavers commit more serious incidents of crime, often driven by survival needs.
A new study by RCSI researchers found that patients receiving methadone treatment are at highest risk of overdosing in the month following treatment end and during first four weeks. The study suggests retaining patients in treatment for longer periods can save lives.
A new observational study examines how glaucoma treatment and follow-up are managed in a prison clinic, with findings on medication adherence being highlighted as an area of concern. The research sheds light on the challenges faced by prisoners with this common eye condition.
A recent study from Cornell University found that even brief periods of solitary confinement significantly increase an inmate's risk of death after release. The research analyzed nearly 14,000 former inmates and discovered a 60% higher mortality rate among those who experienced solitary confinement, primarily due to non-natural causes.
A recent study found a strong association between the incarceration of a family member during childhood and an increased risk of developing diabetes in men. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto and University of Alabama, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults and found that men who experienced childhood inc...
The new book, Competing for Control: Gangs and the Social Order of Prisons, reveals that prison gangs are in a period of transition, varying in organization and structure. The study found that prison violence is concentrated among gang populations and that gang membership does not protect inmates from victimization.
The Geographic Variation in Addiction Treatment (GATE) study aims to identify factors influencing opioid medication use among individuals with opioid use disorder in the criminal justice system. The study will investigate how personal networks, structural factors, and geographic location shape treatment decisions.
Researchers found that inmates who reflected on their time in prison showed increased trust and reciprocity towards the outside world. A structured conversation intervention was found to be effective in promoting positive rehabilitation and social reintegration after release.
A RAND Corporation study estimates that 3,300 people in the Los Angeles County jail mental health population are suitable candidates for diversion into community-based clinical services. The study found that 61% of inmates were appropriate candidates for diversion, with men making up 85% of the jail's mental health population.
A Rutgers University-Camden study reveals that formerly incarcerated individuals with multiple barriers to reintegration experience poor physical and mental health. The study found that greater reintegration barriers decrease self-rated health and increase symptoms of depression over time.
The J.M.K. Innovation Prize recognizes 10 non-profit and mission-driven organizations addressing pressing challenges through social innovation, providing up to $175,000 in funding over three years. The award aims to shine a spotlight on innovators tackling issues in under-resourced parts of America.
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine challenges the common belief that those with mental illness are more likely to be incarcerated. The research found that diagnoses of substance use and antisocial personality were predictors of future incarceration, while other psychiatric diagnoses showed no association.
A study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that adopting risk assessment tools leads to fewer incarcerations while maintaining public safety. The tools provide a structured process for predicting violence likelihood, resulting in more accurate predictions than relying on intuition.
A new study found that 40% of people in Ontario's prison system were seen by a family doctor after release, compared to 85% of the general population. This disparity suggests that prisoners face significant barriers to accessing primary care upon release.
A new study found that individuals held in restrictive housing while serving time in prison face a substantial increased risk of death after their release. The study also found racial disparities in mortality and reincarceration outcomes among formerly incarcerated individuals.
The University of Kentucky received a grant to establish a Clinical Research Center to provide quality addiction treatment for opioid use disorder in criminal justice settings. The grant will enhance access to treatment for women transitioning from jail to the community, addressing unique vulnerabilities.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that spending more on transitional housing for teens aging out of foster care can prevent homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, and early childbirth. States that spend above average on housing support have lower rates of negative outcomes among these youth.
A new study by Florida State University researchers found that immigrants are significantly less likely to reoffend after release from prison compared to nonimmigrants. The study analyzed data from over 192,000 individuals and found that 32% of nonimmigrants were reconvicted within three years, while only 19% of immigrants were.
A three-year pilot study is evaluating a new opioid overdose prevention program, ROAR, specifically designed for incarcerated women. The program aims to reduce the risk of post-incarceration opioid overdose by providing treatment and recovery support prior to release.
New research suggests that incentives to plead guilty can lead innocent defendants in England and Wales to admit to crimes they did not commit. The study found that 76.9% of defendants pleaded guilty between 2016 and 2017, citing the high time and cost involved in trial as a major factor.
A North Carolina State University study found that being convicted of a crime is associated with a decline in physical health, even without jail time. The research also confirms previous work on the adverse mental health effects of arrests, regardless of charges or outcomes.
A study by Texas State University researchers found that horticultural community service programs significantly reduced recidivism rates. The research suggests that participation in these programs can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, leading to a successful transition back into society.
A childhood history of personal involvement in the juvenile justice system and parental incarceration is associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in young adulthood. Having either experience with the criminal justice system as a child increases risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with a history of parental incarceration and juvenile justice involvement are nearly three times more likely to have depression or PTSD compared to peers without any experience with the criminal justice system. Anxiety is also nearly twice as common in this population.
Research from Duke University found that children of incarcerated parents are six times more likely to develop a substance use disorder as adults and nearly twice as likely to have diagnosable anxiety. These individuals also experience significant hurdles transitioning into adulthood.
A new analysis of state, county, and federal data shows a significant decline in criminal sentencing racial gaps since the mid-1990s. The overall sentence length gap between whites and blacks in federal courts decreased by more than 80% between 1996 and 2016.
A Rutgers-Camden study reveals that individuals with poor physical or mental health are more likely to commit crimes and return to prison. The researchers found that limited employment opportunities and family conflict exacerbate recidivism, highlighting the need for improved healthcare in prisons.
Brown University researchers will work with state and community partners to implement and evaluate a treatment program for people in community-based justice supervision. The program aims to improve outcomes for a larger set of people, including those on parole and probation, who are disproportionately affected by opioid use disorder.
Researchers at UMass Amherst will study the impact of evidence-based medications and behavioral interventions on opioid use disorder in jail detainees. The goal is to develop effective intervention and treatment strategies to prevent relapse and overdose.
A unique analysis of US county-level data finds strong associations between incarceration, economic hardship, and drug-mortality. County-level incarceration rates are linked with a more than 50% increase in drug-mortality compared to counties with lowest incarceration rates.
Researcher Brett Burkhardt finds that private prisons are shaped by politics and policies, yet also face moral and ethical dilemmas. The industry is adapting to changing incarceration rates and exploring new opportunities such as drug testing and treatment programs.
A study suggests that the current UK legislation favoring cancer patients for early release on compassionate grounds may be discriminatory. The data analysis found that only 48 out of 845 recorded deaths from natural causes in prison were successful, with all six prisoners having cancer.
A study by RAND Corporation found that a prison-based college program in North Carolina took incarcerated individuals longer to complete coursework than traditional students. Despite the challenges, the program showed promise in reducing recidivism and improving post-release outcomes.
B.J. Casey advocates for reform to ensure healthy psychological development for young offenders in the US prison system. She recommends bail reform and closing facilities that lack rehabilitation components, citing examples like Kalief Browder's tragic case.
Researchers found that testing all persons entering prison for Hepatitis C, treating those with at least 12 months remaining in their sentence, and linking individuals to care upon release improves health outcomes. The strategy was cost-effective but associated with an additional annual cost of $1,440 per prisoner.
A recent study analyzing Twitter comments found that ISIS remains successful at inspiring low-level attacks due to its 'call for lone jihad' messaging. The research discovered correlations between media coverage, online conversations, and support levels towards the group.
A national study led by University of Washington professor Alexes Harris reveals the disproportionate impact of court-imposed fines and fees on low-income individuals and people of color. The study highlights how private companies profit from a captive population while government agencies direct them.
A recent study by the University of Washington found that private companies are profiting from the forced participation of individuals in the justice system. The research highlights the need for policymakers to develop transparent oversight to ensure that private arrangements do not impose undue burdens on those involved.
A new University of Stirling study found that banning smoking in prisons significantly reduced secondhand smoke levels across Scotland. The study, which measured air quality before and after the ban's introduction, showed an average 81% decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations.
High rates of Indigenous incarceration in Canada lead to significant health consequences, including more years of life lost than premature death from common health conditions. The issue is exacerbated by post-release risks, including overdose and suicide, highlighting the need for government action to address systemic racism.
A Yale study reveals that a healthcare program tailored to the needs of recently released prisoners can significantly reduce recidivism by providing community-based primary care. The approach employs community health workers with histories of incarceration, who accompany patients to appointments and provide social support.
A new study found that incarcerated youth are at an increased risk for suicidal behavior, with rates reported to be 2-to-3 times higher than those in the general population. Key risk factors such as history of mental health conditions and substance use were not significantly different between groups.
Researchers found that exposure to violence impairs the ability to place trust in individuals who are likely to be helpful, leading to increased disciplinary infractions. The study suggests that this cognitive disruption can have long-lasting effects on social functioning and stability.
A new study published in Addiction found that medication treatment for opioid use disorder significantly reduces the risk of arrest and incarceration. The research, led by UMass Amherst public health scientist Elizabeth Evans, used data from a large randomized clinical trial to compare the effects of two medications on social outcomes.
Nadkarni's Ambassador Model training program empowers scientists to engage the public through meaningful connections, promoting shared values and community involvement. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated through high ambassador participation rates and increased interest in science among participants.
Researchers identified a new protocol to prioritize HCV treatment in US prisons, considering factors like liver health state, sentence length, and injection drug use. The approach aims to reduce hepatitis C-caused mortality and infections, both in prisons and the community.