20: Planning Continuity of Care
Prepare community-based health and treatment providers, prior to the release of an individual, to receive that person and to ensure that he or she receives uninterrupted services and supports upon his or her return community.
Overview
Research Highlights
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Treatment regimens begun in prison or jail must often be continued upon release to be effective.
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Transition planning for continued care upon release is a major problem.
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Engaging community-based providers to offer services to inmates is an important strategy that shows promise in reducing the adverse affects of the complex health problems of inmates.
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New partnerships around mental health services show promise in improving mental health, recidivism, and cost outcomes.
Recommendations
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Prepare a summary health record containing information about important medical problems, prior diagnostic studies, allergies, and medications for each person released from prison or jail prior to his or her release.
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Connect prisoners to treatment and health care providers in the community prior to their release to prevent gaps in treatment and services.
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Provide prisoners receiving medications with a sufficient interim supply of essential medications upon their discharge into the community.
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Educate people in prison and jail about continuity of care and provide them with the summary health record and other important medical records prior to discharge.
Related Policy Statements
Our Publications
How and Why Medicaid Matters for People with Serious Mental Illness Released from Jail
Hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness are released from jail each year. Without continuity of care, they are likely to be reincarcerated. Enrollment in Medicaid increases access to treatment for people with mental illness released from jail, who typically lack other means to pay for those services.
Related Information
Issue Area:
Physical and Mental Health
Issue Area:
Substance Abuse
Special Project:
Reentry and Federal Benefits

