Creating New Options

Training for Corrections Administrators and Staff on Access to Federal Benefits for People with Mental Illnesses Leaving Jail or Prison

One way to reduce the number of inmates with mental illnesses in jail or prison is to close the revolving door through which many keep returning. Most correctional administrators and staff believe that people with mental illnesses need help rather than punishment. Improving their access to federal benefits upon release is a way to get them needed help and an important part of a strategy to reduce such recidivism.

Creating New Options includes a PowerPoint presentation and a manual that describe the needs of individuals with mental illnesses who are incarcerated in jail or prison and explain how correctional staff can help them access the federal benefits that can pay for the housing, food and health and mental health care they need for successful transition to the community.

You can download the manual and the PowerPoint here, or purchase the printed manual and original PowerPoint from our online bookstore.

Download the Creating New Options manual here (Adobe Reader needed).

Download the PowerPoint presentation here