What is the theory behind mental health worksheet for inmates?
According to research, a variety of demographic characteristics and prior interactions with the criminal justice system are linked to inmate misconduct. Despite the fact that no studies have looked at the connection between co-occurring disorders and misconduct in prison populations, it has been shown that poor mental and physical health is also related to inmate misconduct.
How will the worksheet help?
It has been demonstrated that mental healthcare and lifestyle choices are subpar in jail, particularly for older inmates. Untreated psychiatric problems typically aggravate dietary habits, inactivity, and substance addiction. Bad habits then contribute to mental health issues.
How to use the worksheet?
This worksheet will help inmates leave the criminal life behind and move towards a positive lifestyle. The inmates will answer the questions given. Part one of the worksheet asks them about the details of prison life. Part two helps them turn their life around.
Mental health worksheet for inmates
Part One:
1. Count the number of times you have been arrested over the course of your life.
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2. Explain your thoughts on these arrests.
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3. Be completely honest with yourself about how much you care about going to jail, then write down your answers.
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4. Describe how motivated you are to prevent being arrested again. Be truthful.
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5. Identify the people in your life (family, friends) who support your success and those who could lead you to make terrible decisions.
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6. Describe your daily activities. How could you be more productive with your downtime?
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7. Name two individuals: one who has been arrested repeatedly and one who has been successful in changing their lives. What enabled the individual to “turn it around” and escape the cycle of crime?
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Part Two:
Turning it Around Exercises
1. List people who may have been hurt by your actions and how they may have been hurt.
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2. Identify three reasons why jail time and repeat arrests has been a problem for you.
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3. Identify three people (family and friends or organisations) who you might reach out to for additional support.
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4. Identify leisure activities that you could build into your schedule.
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5. Identify three barriers to breaking the criminal cycle for you, and match with ways to overcome these barriers.
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References
You can download this worksheet here.