The Report > Review of the Re-Entry Process > Community Supervision > Maintaining Continuity of Care

E: Community Supervision

4: There is often a dearth of available, accessible services for returning prisoners, particularly in their home communities.

In this chapter:

  • Overview
  • Recommendations:
  • Research Highlights:

    • Since inmates are disproportionately afflicted with many types of health problems, from communicable diseases to mental health and substance abuse issues, it is imperative for public safety, public health, and their personal well-being that they are able to access mental and physical health care upon release from prison and jail. Studies indicate, however, that the availability and accessibility of services is insufficient to meet the needs of returning prisoners. [1]   While some health services are located within the communities to which inmates return, this is often not the case. For example, one recent study found that of five zip codes identified as home to a high number of returning prisoners, only one was located near a substantial number and variety of postrelease services. [2]   Moreover, even when services are present, information for releasees regarding the types of services available and how to access these services is often incomplete or unavailable. [3]   Finally, the health services that are available may not meet the needs of individuals released from prison or jail or may not have the capacity to provide for those individuals. [4]  

    1. Jacksonville Community Council, Inc., "Services for Ex-Offenders: A Report to the Citizens of Jacksonville" (Spring 2001), cited in Shelli Rossman, "Services Integration: Strengthening Offenders and Families, While Promoting Community Health and Safety" (paper presented at the Urban Institute's From Prison To Home Conference, Washington, DC, January 30-31, 2002); Jamie Watson, Amy L. Solomon, Nancy G. La Vigne, Jeremy Travis, Meagan Funches, Barbara Parthasarathy, A Portrait of Prisoner Reentry in Texas (The Urban Institute, 2004-03-19) ; Nancy G. La Vigne, Gillian L. Thomson, A Portrait of Prisoner Reentry in Ohio (The Urban Institute, 2003-11-20) .

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    2. Jamie Watson, Amy L. Solomon, Nancy G. La Vigne, Jeremy Travis, Meagan Funches, Barbara Parthasarathy, A Portrait of Prisoner Reentry in Texas (The Urban Institute, 2004-03-19) .

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    3. Shelli Rossman, "Services Integration: Strengthening Offenders and Families, While Promoting Community Health and Safety" (paper presented at the Urban Institute's From Prison To Home Conference, Washington, DC, January 30-31, 2002).

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    4. Ibid.

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