The direct effect of mental illness on the “prison revolving door” is relatively small, but its indirect impact can be significant when combined with other risk factors. The chief factors that amplify the effects of mental illness are homelessness and substance use.
Several gaps exist in how these and other factors are addressed, both before and after people with mental illness are released from prison. The evidence is still mixed, but there is growing agreement that integrated, multi-agency programs that begin before release and continue after can reduce the likelihood of return to prison.
