The Wayne State University School of Social Work invites you to attend the dissertation defense of Alexis Carl on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST on Zoom. Carl will present "THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF PERSONS PREVIOUSLY INCARCERATED IN JAILS WITH PTSD".

Individuals with mental illness are disproportionately represented in the criminal legal system due to the criminalization of mental illness, however; there is one diagnosis in particular that is abundant among this population—posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior research focusing on jail incarceration experiences amongst individuals with PTSD is understudied, which is alarming as jails have the highest rates of persons with PTSD within the criminal legal system. This dissertation aims to explore, describe, and understand the lived experiences of persons previously incarcerated in jails with PTSD. Findings from this study provide a first-hand account of the inhumane and potentially traumatizing jail experiences persons with PTSD encounter and identify areas of the criminal legal system that require intervention. This study adds new information to the field of research and has major implications for policy and practice.