RT Article
T1 Identifying Discrete Subgroups of Chronically Homeless Frequent Utilizers of Jail and Public Mental Health Services
JF Criminal justice and behavior
VO 44
IS 4
SP 511
OP 530
A1 Harding, Courtney S.
A1 Roman, Caterina Gouvis 1966-
A2 Roman, Caterina Gouvis 1966-
LA English
YR 2017
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1700627562
AB A sizable group of individuals in the United States cycle in and out of jails, prisons, mental health hospitals, homeless shelters, and other expensive public institutions over time. This little-studied population represents significant unmet need and the inadequacy of services for complex consumers. The current study examined a sample (N = 161) of chronically homeless frequent utilizers of jail and mental health systems in Chicago, Illinois. Cluster analysis was used to differentiate the sample into four reliable subgroups based on measures for prior homelessness, jail incarcerations, mental health hospitalizations, poor current mood, and limitations due to physical health. Logistic regression revealed that clusters differed significantly on reincarceration at 6 months postrelease. Implications for programming and policy for each cluster are discussed, including suggestions for targeting services to distinguishing characteristics for each subgroup. These findings argue for the importance of coordinating efforts across services systems to better identify and serve shared clients.
K1 Cluster analysis
K1 Homelessness
K1 Jail reintegration
K1 Mental health
K1 Systems use
DO 10.1177/0093854816680838