Physical and Mental Health in Relation to Behavior and Overall Well-Being of Inmates

When inmates are not in a state of well-being, either physically or mentally, they present a challenge for correctional administrators because it limits the effectiveness of correctional programs. Therefore, any efforts, time, and funding being put into attempts, is wasted. Contributors to inmate dysfunction include many factors, of which are not all present within confinement.  Previous trauma or health issues, substance abuse, relationships with other inmates or officers, and a lack of necessities or basic care while locked up; these all combine to exacerbate this condition.  The consequences of not addressing inmate health include long-lasting psychological symptoms, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These reactions have tolls while within confinement, as well as out in society. The presence of any or several of these factors combine to limit correctional effectiveness and hobble the system’s efforts to limit recidivism among criminal offenders. The funds required to target these maladies is money well-spent when compared to the costs of keeping inmates in a state of ill-health while confined. Many actions can be made in addressing this, with resources inside correctional facilities for direct assistance identifying inmate’s specific needs. This paper will demonstrate that the costs associated with ignoring inmate needs far exceed the costs of funding programs targeted to better their overall mental and physical wellness.  It is in the interests of not only the care takers, and other inmates, but in the interests of the inmate’s families, and greater society as well, that we expend the resources necessary to advance inmate health and well-being.