93. Live from Atlanta: Parole, Mental Health, and the Push for Prevention

Reporting live from the Association of Parole Authorities International conference in Atlanta—right after finally getting that dryer delivered—we're digging into the surprising overlap between mental health and the parole system. From a panel discussion that bridged the worlds of corrections and behavioral health to staggering data on incarceration and supervision, this episode challenges the way we think about justice and support. With over 25,000 people under probation in Iowa alone, and 6,200 on parole, it’s clear we need upstream solutions. We explore the role of specialty courts, diversion programs, and community reintegration, and shine a light on the work of ICAN in advocating for incarcerated youth. This conversation is about systems—but even more, it’s about second chances.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the complexities of the behavioral health system and its impact on reentry success.
• Explore the crucial connection between parole and mental health to support successful reintegration into society.
• Learn effective strategies for conducting risk assessments in corrections to enhance support for individuals reentering society.
• Discover the valuable benefits of peer support in reentry programs for individuals with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Explore the significance of implementing diversion programs in behavioral health to support successful reentry and reduce recidivism.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Stepping in it Podcast
00:00:15 - Challenges in Accessing Behavioral Health System
00:00:44 - The Intersection of Parole and Mental Health
00:01:54 - Global Themes in Behavioral Health
00:06:18 - Challenges with Risk Assessments
00:12:58 - Criminal Justice System Engagement
00:13:46 - State Comparison
00:16:23 - High Incarceration Rates
00:19:52 - Pretrial Policies
00:21:48 - Implementing Changes
00:25:44 - Challenges with Policies and Procedures
00:27:19 - Impact of Felon Association Condition
00:29:25 - Effective Support and Cost Savings
00:31:06 - Rethinking Recidivism Measurement
00:33:02 - Importance of Self-Care Routine 

Links: 

• https://www.prisonpolicy.org/
• https://cfsy.org/what-we-do/ican-stories/

Connect with us: 

https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 

https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners

https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-eGx_VID4e0