An Examination of Access and Barriers to Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment in a Rural Jail

Rural jails encounter various challenges in identifying and providing care for inmates with mental health and substance use disorders. Repeated incarceration among individuals highlights the importance of timely screening and treatment to address reoffending rates. This study examined a South Carolina rural jail-based program using data from 4,966 arrests, of which 153 led to treatment. The results indicate that actuarial post-arrest disorder screening is the main method for connecting individuals with appropriate care.