Transitional case management for reducing recidivism of individuals with mental disorders and multiple misdemeanors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of a transitional case management (TCM) program targeted to individuals with mental disorders and multiple arrests for misdemeanor offenses.

Methods: The sample included 178 individuals who were diverted from jail at arraignment (N=125) or who voluntarily enrolled in TCM (N=53). Number of arrests and case management sessions attended were compared.

Results: The mean ± SD number of arrests of the 178 participants declined by 31% from the 12 months preenrollment to the 12 months postenrollment. Lifetime arrests and age were significant factors in the count of arrests postenrollment. Diverted and voluntary participants had similar numbers of postenrollment arrests (2.5 ± 3.0 and 2.5 ± 3.5, respectively). Differences in mean postenrollment arrests for diverted participants who completed or did not complete TCM were not significant. Diverted and voluntary participants received an equivalent mean number of case management sessions.

Conclusions: Individuals in TCM experienced a reduction in arrests in the 12 months postenrollment.