Adverse Impacts of Mental Health Needs Assessment on Jail Outcomes: Evidence from Transition Age Youth and Adults

We investigate the causal impact of jail mental health needs scores, assigned by clinicians, on youth and adult outcomes. Utilizing an instrumental variable (IV) approach leveraging quasi-random assignment of intake clinicians, we find that worse scores increase incarceration duration and suicide at...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of human resources 2024-04, Vol.59 (S), p.S282-S316
Main Authors: Cunningham, Scott, Seward, Jonathan A., Clay, Karen, Vigliotti, Vivian S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Clinical outcomes
Health needs
Housing
Imprisonment
Jails
Length of stay
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mental health care
Mental health services
Needs assessment
Prisoner treatment
Recidivism
Suicide
Suicides & suicide attempts
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Summary:We investigate the causal impact of jail mental health needs scores, assigned by clinicians, on youth and adult outcomes. Utilizing an instrumental variable (IV) approach leveraging quasi-random assignment of intake clinicians, we find that worse scores increase incarceration duration and suicide attempts in both groups and recidivism in adults. For the marginal person, worse scores may lead to consequences like prolonged jail stays, which counteract potential benefits. We discuss possible mechanisms, including the existence of a mental health docket for misdemeanors, and effects of scores on bond posting, mental health care, type of housing within the jail, and length of stay.
ISSN:0022-166X
1548-8004
DOI:10.3368/jhr.1222-12713R2