Recovery support specialists inside the jail: a program description of treatment engagement for opioid use disorder
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 17 May 2021
Issue publication date: 17 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
People living with opioid use disorder (OUD) disproportionately encounter the criminal justice system. Although incarcerated individuals with OUD face higher risk for withdrawals, relapses and overdoses, most jails fail to offer comprehensive medications for OUD (MOUD), including recovery support services and transition of care to a community provider. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and implementation of a comprehensive MOUD program at a large county jail system in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to develop a community-based, multi-organizational program for incarcerated individuals with OUD. The SIM is a mapping process of the criminal justice system and was applied in Maricopa County, Arizona to identify gaps in services and strengthen resources at each key intercept. The program applies an integrated care framework that is person-centered and incorporates medical, behavioral and social services to improve population health.
Findings
Stakeholders worked collaboratively to develop a multi-point program for incarcerated individuals with OUD that includes an integrated care service with brief screening, MOUD and treatment; a residential treatment program; peer support; community provider referrals; and a court diversion program. Recovery support specialists provide education, support and care coordination between correctional and community health services.
Originality/value
OUD is a common problem in many correctional health centers. However, many jails do not provide a comprehensive approach to connect incarcerated individuals with OUD treatment. The Maricopa County, Arizona jail system opioid treatment program is unique because of the ongoing support from recovery support specialists during and after incarceration.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Grant ID: 1H79TI081534-01). The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this paper.
Citation
Martin, M., Phillips, M.A., Saxon, M., Love, K., Cessna, L., Woodard, D.L., Page, M., Curry, K., Paone, A., Pennington-Stallcup, B. and Riley, W. (2021), "Recovery support specialists inside the jail: a program description of treatment engagement for opioid use disorder", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 497-508. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-12-2020-0102
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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