Mapping community capacity: Identifying existing community assets for supporting people with mental health problems who have been involved with the criminal justice system

Abstract

Continuity of care is critical for people with mental health problems following a period of incarceration or forensic hospitalization - for both mental health recovery and preventing criminal recidivism. Little is known, however, about existing supports and services for the unique needs of this group of people. This case study engaged 20 community stakeholders in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in a capacity-mapping forum. In small focus groups, participants worked through a series of guided capacity-mapping activities. The findings map existing assets according to their policy mandate for providing mental health and/or criminal justice services. Critical challenges to ensuring continuity of care were described.