A shadow health care system now exists behind bars in the US, with a substantial amount of behavioral health care delivered in correctional settings.

There are approximately 2.6 million people incarcerated in the US, which equates, by far, to the world’s highest incarceration rate (~700/100,000 people). It is estimated that 50% of inmates of jails and prisons have a mental illness, and 15-20% have a serious mental illness.

This conference convenes an interdisciplinary group of speakers and panelists—which will include clinicians, social workers, prison reform advocates, bioethicists, and a former inmate—who are all aiming to elevate the conversation about this growing health care crisis.

Keynote speakers will be former Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey andSecretary Gary Tennis.

Commissioner Charles Ramsey was appointed Police Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department on January 7, 2008, and retired in January 2016 after serving 8 years as Commissioner and leading the fourth largest police department in the nation. Secretary Gary Tennis is the current Pennsylvania Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Event Information

Ticketing

Please note that tickets are available online only. Due to National Constitution Center policy we are unable to accept on-site registration. All attendees must register online prior to the event. Ticket sales will end on October 13, 2016.

Parking and Transportation

Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis in the garage below the National Constitution Center. Attendees of “Recovering Inside” can park for a discounted rate of $9.00.

There is a Market-Frankford Line stop at 5th and Market which is one block away from the National Constitution Center.  If you are taking SEPTA’s Regional Rail, Jefferson Station is located at 12th and Market and is seven blocks away.  If you are taking PATCO from New Jersey, there is a stop at 8th and Market which is three blocks away.

Accessibility and Special Needs

Please see the National Constitution Center’s website for information about venue accessibility. If other special arrangements are required for an individual with a disability to attend this event, please contact Katherine Ridella at 215-573-9378 no later than two weeks prior to the event to make necessary arrangements.

Continuing Education Credits

This event will offer continuing education credits for psychologists, social workers, and lawyers. American Psychological Association CE credits, which can be accepted by both psychologists and PA social workers, are processed through the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. CLE credits for law are processed through Drexel University. The purpose of this conference is to examine the ethical challenges confronting clinicians, administrators, and policymakers in providing ethically appropriate care to mentally ill individuals inside jails and prisons. After attending the conference, attendees should be able to: (1) Identify challenges in policing and appropriate placement of mentally ill individuals, (2) Articulate several ethical challenges of providing care to mentally ill individuals in correctional settings, (3) Assess and construct policy solutions that may improve the lives of individuals with mental illness in correctional settings and in reentry, and (4) Examine the unique roles and ethical conflicts encountered by clinicians and caregivers in a correctional setting. The speakers and panelists at this event have no financial conflicts of interest to report.

American Psychological Association CEs

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program carries 5.25 CE credits.

A fee is applicable for anyone applying for APA credit, which is reflected in the ticket prices. APA credits may also be accepted by PA social workers. If you would like to earn APA CE credits from this event, please choose the ticket type “Admission + CE credits (psychology)” OR “Admission + CE credits (social work).”

Law CLE Credits

If you would like to earn CLE credits from this event, please choose the ticket type “Admission + CLE Credit (Law)”. CLE credits for this event are processed through Drexel University. This event offers 5.5 CLE credits (3.5 substantive, 2 ethics).

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The University of Pennsylvania reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event due to any unforeseen circumstances. In the event of cancellation or postponement, the University will refund any registration fee but it is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or any expenses to participants, including cancellation costs incurred by airlines/travel agencies. Full refunds will be issued for registration cancellations made by September 30, 2016.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled veteran in the administration of educational policies, programs or activities, admission policies, scholarship and loan awards, athletic or other administered programs or employment. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action,3600 Chestnut Street, Sansom Place East, Suite 228 or 215/898-6993 (voice) or 215/898-7803 (TDD).

Sponsors

The Leonard Davis Institute at the University of Pennsylvania
The Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation
Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University
The Scattergood Program for Applied Ethics of Behavioral Health Care
The Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania