This site contains information about the problems related to the release of the mentally ill from correctional facilities into our communities. Included on this site are links to the actual program, videos containing updates, discussion boards, information about a model facility that one community is using to combat the cycle of release/re-arrest, along with additional readings on this issue. According to the authors of this site, 2/3 of the mentally ill who are released from our jails and prisons will be re-arrested within 18 months. This program is related to and follows some of the mentally ill offenders who were interviewed for the previous program produced by Frontline, "The New Asylums."
Type of Material:
Case Study, video.
Recommended Uses:
The main video could be shown in class, while students could be given an out-of-class assignment to explore the rest of the material on the website.
Technical Requirements:
Real Player and Real Audio.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The accompanying Teacher’s Guide on the website identifies the following learning objectives: evaluate mental health services in their state’s prisons and in the general community; analyze the potential problems of releasing mentally ill former offenders into communities with limited services and limited housing; consider how homelessness provides additional challenges for mentally ill former offenders; develop alternatives to the trend of release and recidivism.
Target Student Population:
This could be used in high school or college level courses. It would be appropriate for sociology, psychology, public policy, criminal justice and social work courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Suitable for introductory students. The instructor should be prepared to provide background information on the topic and perhaps updated statistics related to mental health and prison.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This film and website offers an in-depth look at how mental health and the criminal justice system are interrelated. In the United States, more than half of the people released from prison are mentally ill. Studies show that within 18 months, nearly two-thirds of mentally ill offenders -- often poor and cut off from friends and family -- are re-arrested. The Released follows the paths of six mentally ill inmates after they served time in Ohio’s prison system. The personal stories of the the inmates who are mentally ill is riveting.
Concerns:
My major concern is that video was released in 2009 and is a follow-up to a video released in 2005 (The Asylums). It would be important to have updated statistics.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The video can be an effective supplement or illustration of course concepts provided that the instructor prepares students for the video’s content prior to screening.
Concerns:
Screening the video in class and having a discussion will take at least an hour.
The video alone is most likely not an effective tool. The instructor will need to connect the video to their overall learning objectives and to other course material. It would be important to provide updated statistics.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is very user friendly. It has a site map that assists in finding relevant information quickly. Frontline includes a transcript of the video on their website. There is also an instructor’s guide available that can make it easier to integrate the video into a course.
Concerns:
The video requires a high-speed internet connection to use.
Other Issues and Comments:
None.
Creative Commons:
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