Psychology Assignment/Discussion

UPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH IN CORRECTIONAL SETTINGS

Within the correctional setting there are a number of roles involved in the implementation of treatment plans for inmates with mental disorders. These roles include administrator, staff psychologist, case manager, forensic treatment specialist, therapeutic group leader, law enforcement advocate, correctional officer, unit manager, parole officer, and parole board member. Having a mental health background is required for some, while not required for others. Such a background can be critically important.

Mental health training dictates the level and type of interaction a professional may have with inmates. A staff psychologist has more influence on an inmate’s treatment plan, while a correctional officer has more influence on an inmate’s schedule, work assignment, or security level.

For this Discussion, you analyze roles of supporting professionals related to treatment plans in correctional settings. You also evaluate challenges of implementing treatment plans within correctional settings. In the beginning of the week, your instructor will assign you to a specific role for this Discussion.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review Chapter 14 in Wrightsman’s psychology and the legal system. Consider community-based alternatives to incarceration and the use and effectiveness of the death penalty. Review Chapter 15 in Wrightsman’s psychology and the legal system. Think about the role of psychology in the adjudication of delinquency (for juveniles) and criminal conviction (for adults).

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

Review the article “Clinical Practice in Corrections: Providing Service, Obtaining Experience.” Consider the uniquely qualified workforce needed in correctional settings. Review the article “Stopping the Revolving Door: A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Interventions for Criminally Involved Individuals with Major Mental Disorders.” Think about the issues involved with effectively treating individuals with mental disorders within the correctional setting. Review the article “Mentally Ill Individuals in Limbo: Obstacles and Opportunities for Providing Psychiatric Services to Corrections Inmates with Mental Illness.” Consider how to improve the delivery of mental health services in correctional settings. Visit websites such as those located in this week’s Optional Resources to find information about supporting professional roles within correctional settings. Pay particular attention to the role your instructor has assigned to you.

Post your response to the following using the thread labeled with your assigned supporting role:

Given your assigned role, describe how it might be performed differently by someone with a forensic psychology background versus someone without. In general, what challenges exist when implementing treatment plans in correctional settings?

Respond to postings from at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question and provide insight into how you would answer your question, and why. Ask a probing question and provide the foundation, or rationale, for the question. Expand on your colleague’s posting by offering a new perspective or insight. Agree with a colleague and offer additional (new) supporting information for consideration.

Disagree with a colleague by respectfully discussing and supporting a different perspective.

BY DAY 3

BY DAY 5