Exploring the link between incarceration and homelessness for individuals with serious mental illness

The Jail-to-Homelessness Pipeline and Serious Mental Illness

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10877904

This study looks at how being in jail impacts the health and lives of people with serious mental illness, especially when they end up homeless afterward, and it aims to find better ways for mental health services to help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877904 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how incarceration affects the health and social outcomes of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), particularly focusing on the transition from jail to homelessness. The study aims to identify the unmet needs of these individuals and how public mental health systems can better support them. By employing mixed methods, the research will analyze data from various sources, including correctional facilities and homeless populations, to understand the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies to reduce health inequities and improve access to mental health resources for those affected.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with serious mental illness who have experienced incarceration and are at risk of homelessness.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have serious mental illness or have not been incarcerated may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health services and support systems for individuals with serious mental illness transitioning from incarceration to community living.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing the needs of individuals with serious mental illness in correctional settings can lead to better health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.