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

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Cunningham
  • Jonathan A. Seward
  • Karen Clay
  • Vivian S. Vigliotti

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Cunningham & Jonathan A. Seward & Karen Clay & Vivian S. Vigliotti, 2024. "Adverse Impacts of Mental Health Needs Assessment on Jail Outcomes: Evidence from Transition Age Youth and Adults," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 282-316.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:59:y:2024:i:s:p:s282-s316
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1222-12713R2
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/59/S/S282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pinka Chatterji & Alison Cuellar, 2006. "How Do Youth with Mental Disorders Fare in the Juvenile Justice System?," NBER Working Papers 12437, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Arpit Gupta & Christopher Hansman & Ethan Frenchman, 2016. "The Heavy Costs of High Bail: Evidence from Judge Randomization," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 45(2), pages 471-505.
    3. Alison Evans Cuellar & Larkin S. McReynolds & Gail A. Wasserman, 2006. "A cure for crime: Can mental health treatment diversion reduce crime among youth?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(1), pages 197-214.
    4. Anna Aizer & Joseph J. Doyle, 2015. "Juvenile Incarceration, Human Capital, and Future Crime: Evidence from Randomly Assigned Judges," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 130(2), pages 759-803.
    5. José Luis Montiel Olea & Carolin Pflueger, 2013. "A Robust Test for Weak Instruments," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(3), pages 358-369, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Batistich, Mary Kate & Evans, William N. & Phillips, David C., 2025. "Reducing the burden of mental illness on the criminal justice system: Evidence from light-touch outreach," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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