Incarceration of Women with Mental Health Needs in the Netherlands as Compared to the United States: A Comparative Analysis of Trauma Responsiveness

Abstract

This honors thesis highlights the lack of efficient mental health services within United States women’s county jails. Addressing mental health concerns among incarcerated women is crucial for the individuals overall health and the improvement of the criminal justice system as a collective. This thesis will include a comparison between the United States and the Netherlands mental health services in women’s jails, in order to explore where our country is lacking in these services. Comparing and contrasting the current mental health services in the United States with those provided in the Netherlands, including their responsiveness to trauma, will allow for an assessment of alignment with positive outcomes between a rehabilitative approach and a punitive approach for mental health concerns. A comparative analysis as well as a gap analysis are methods to identify recommendations for the United States to replicate the policies, practices, and systems utilized by the Netherlands including comprehensive social-emotional services, support services, trauma responsive services, and intervention services for women either currently incarcerated or those transitioning out of incarceration. Overall, by analyzing a country that has more efficient mental health approaches within their jails, I will conclude with services that the United States could implement to efficiently address mental health challenges among women who are incarcerated.