HEALTH
Improving Access to Mental Health Services for People Released from Jail
The Problem
Getting mental health services after jail is harder than it should be, even though research shows that people’s chance of successful reintegration into their community increases when they’re able to participate in the support programs and services they need. New York City’s Community Re-Entry Assistance Network (CRAN) connects these individuals to healthcare, housing, social and vocational services in their community, but a critical gap remained: clients lacked clear, accessible information about services to them upon release and how to get them.
Our Solution
By observing discharge planning at Rikers Island and demonstrations of CRAN’s walk-in community centers’ intake process, as well as interviewing social workers, program staff, and clients, we identified four ways to help people access the services they need upon their release from jail:
Present information more clearly and concisely so clients can quickly understand what CRAN offers and what they're entitled to upon release
Make action items stand out so clients know exactly what steps to take — and in what order —without needing to ask.
Use consistent language and branding across all materials to help clients draw connections between the things they've seen and heard throughout the process.
Design tools specifically for social workers and staff that make it easier to explain eligibility, intake, and referral processes to the people they serve.
Designs Created for the CRAN initiative
Resource card for released clients
Booklet page for incarcerated prospective clients
A flier for social workers
The Results
Correctional Health Services staff provide the materials to people who are in custody in city jails, helping them prepare for their return to the community. Staff has shared that the Booklet helps clients and new staff understand complex service offerings, and that the resource card has been especially handy for people to refer to as they seek to access services after their release.
