Strategies For Managing Biopsychosocial Needs And Re-Entry

Strategies for Managing Biopsychosocial Needs and Re-entry

As a human services practitioner working within a correctional setting, especially when preparing a client like Casey Hamburger for re-entry into society, it is vital to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses her biopsychosocial needs. The biopsychosocial evaluation provides a thorough understanding of her physical health, mental health, social environment, and personal circumstances, all of which influence her readiness for re-entry. Based on her evaluation, this report identifies her primary needs, sets short-term and long-term goals, proposes strategic interventions, and aims to establish desired outcomes within a 3-month timeframe.

Client’s Needs Based on the Biopsychosocial Evaluation

Casey Hamburger presents a complex profile marked by multiple interconnected needs. Physically, she has a history of seizures since childhood, which require ongoing management and medical oversight. Her current health status is compromised by the lack of health insurance and limited medical care since her last physical examination was in December 2018. Her medical needs include regular monitoring of her seizure condition and management of asthma, for which she uses an inhaler. Addressing her physical health is fundamental to her overall well-being and ability to function effectively post-release.

Mentally, Casey has a history of depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD—all diagnoses that impact her emotional resilience and decision-making. She reports previous medication trials that were unsuccessful or discontinued due to a lapse in medical coverage. She currently does not take any prescribed medication. Her mental health needs include stabilization of her mood, management of impulsive behaviors, and developing coping skills to handle stressors related to re-entry.

Socially, her history reveals significant trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, familial abandonment, and recent profound losses—her partner’s suicide, her grandfather’s death, and her recent job loss. Her family support network has diminished—she reports no active support from family or friends—and she faces ongoing legal issues, including custody disputes and unresolved substance-related cases.

Her substance abuse history also remains critical; her past use of marijuana, alcohol, and pain pills reflects underlying vulnerabilities. Despite cessation of drinking after her DUI in 2015, she acknowledges urges to use substances, especially as relapse triggers related to stress and grief. Her lack of employment, housing instability, and limited daily life skills compound her re-entry challenges, affecting her ability to maintain sobriety, secure resources, and rebuild her life.

Short-term and Long-term Goals

Short-term Goals (within 3 months):

• Establish a medical and psychiatric care plan to ensure physical health needs are met, including seizure management and mental health stabilization.
• Create a stable housing plan to address homelessness and secure a safe living environment post-release.
• Develop basic life skills training focusing on budgeting, self-care, and daily routines necessary for independent living.
• Implement a relapse prevention plan addressing substance use triggers and cravings to maintain sobriety.
• Strengthen social support systems by engaging community resources, peer support groups, and possibly reconnecting with family members willing to provide support.

Long-term Goals (beyond 3 months):

• Achieve and sustain stable employment or vocational engagement aligned with her strengths and interests.
• Continue mental health treatment to manage bipolar disorder, depression, and ADHD effectively over time.
• Re-establish custody or visitation rights of her children, particularly through active involvement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
• Build a supportive social network while improving interpersonal skills and resilience.
• Maintain sobriety and healthy lifestyle choices, fostering independence and self-efficacy.

Strategies for Achieving Re-entry Goals

To facilitate the successful transition and address her biopsychosocial needs, a multifaceted, integrated approach is necessary. Key strategies include:

1. Medical and Psychiatric Care Coordination: Immediately connect Casey with primary healthcare providers and mental health services. She requires consistent management of her seizures, asthma, and mood disorders. Arranging medication-assisted treatment if appropriate, and ensuring access to medications, are critical. Collaboration with community clinics and mental health agencies can facilitate ongoing treatment, especially considering her lack of insurance.
2. Housing Stabilization: Engage social workers and housing agencies to identify transitional housing options. Subsidized housing or supportive living environments can be secured through partnerships with local agencies, helping her attain a stable address essential for employment and legal stability.
3. Development of Daily Living Skills: Enroll Casey in re-entry programs focusing on life skills, including financial literacy, medication management, employment preparedness, and self-care. Use of practical workshops and peer mentoring can enhance her confidence and independence.
4. Substance Use Relapse Prevention: Implement relapse prevention strategies through counseling and peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can assist her in identifying triggers and developing coping skills, reducing the risk of relapse.
5. Legal and Family Support Engagement: Coordinate with DCF and legal advocates to navigate custody issues, ensuring she is informed about her rights and opportunities for family reunification. Attending parenting classes and family therapy may offer additional support in this area.
6. Employment and Educational Opportunities: Connect Casey with employment services, vocational training, or GED programs to facilitate economic stability. Job readiness workshops can improve her employability prospects and foster a sense of purpose.
7. Building Social Support and Resilience: Encourage her participation in community groups, support circles, or faith-based organizations to rebuild her social network. Enhancing social ties can reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being.

Regular monitoring and flexible adjustments to interventions are vital as her re-entry progresses. Establishing a case management team that includes mental health professionals, housing specialists, legal advisors, and employment counselors will provide a comprehensive support system tailored to her evolving needs.

Desired Outcomes After 3 Months

Within three months, the primary expectation is that Casey will demonstrate measurable progress toward stabilization across physical, mental, and social domains. Specifically:

• She will have established a primary care provider and a mental health counselor, with a treatment plan in place, including medication management if applicable.
• Secure stable, safe housing and demonstrate basic independent living skills necessary for maintaining her environment.
• Remain sober, with active participation in relapse prevention and support group activities, minimizing risk of substance use relapse.
• Engage in a structured employment or educational program, showing readiness and motivation to build a career or further training.
• Re-engage with her children, attending court or family therapy sessions aimed at reunification or maintaining family connections.
• Build a support network, including community resources, peers, and family members who can provide ongoing emotional and practical assistance.

Success in these areas will significantly improve her prospects for sustained reintegration into society and prevent recidivism, ultimately contributing to her long-term stability and well-being.

References

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