Critical Time Intervention in Criminal Legal Settings

Abstract

Abstract Many persons with mental illnesses cycle through the criminal legal system, accumulating the structural disadvantages linked to both their illnesses and their incarceration histories. After release from prison, persons with mental illnesses are at especially high risk of recidivism, homelessness, and other adverse outcomes and typically encounter substantial barriers to accessing the limited resources that exist to meet their complex needs. This chapter discusses the use of Critical Time Intervention (CTI) with individuals with mental illness re-entering the community from correctional institutions. Evidence suggests that CTI enhances continuity of support and access to post-release mental health services, but further research is needed to examine its impact on criminal recidivism, homelessness, and other outcomes. Implementation challenges unique to this transition are identified, including limited prison access for CTI workers, unpredictable release timing, and restrictive eligibility for potential community resources.