Adverse Impacts of Mental Health Needs Assessment on Jail Outcomes: Evidence from Transition Age Youth and Adults

Scott Cunningham, Jonathan A. Seward, Karen Clay and Vivian S. Vigliotti

Journal of Human Resources, 2024, vol. 59, issue S, s282-s316

Abstract: We investigate the causal impact of jail mental health needs scores, assigned by clinicians, on youth and adult outcomes. Utilizing an instrumental variable (IV) approach leveraging quasi-random assignment of intake clinicians, we find that worse scores increase incarceration duration and suicide attempts in both groups and recidivism in adults. For the marginal person, worse scores may lead to consequences like prolonged jail stays, which counteract potential benefits. We discuss possible mechanisms, including the existence of a mental health docket for misdemeanors, and effects of scores on bond posting, mental health care, type of housing within the jail, and length of stay.

JEL-codes: I12 I14 I18 K14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1222-12713R2
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:59:y:2024:i:s:p:s282-s316

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