Grant Proposal for an Art Therapy Program in a Central Indiana Jail

Currently, there are no art therapy programs in central Indiana that address the mental health needs of inmates in the county jails. It is estimated that approximately 70% or more of inmates in Indiana demonstrate a need for mental health and/or addiction services, while only a small number actually receive such services due to lack of funding (Frazee, 2015). Arts and art therapy programs, in conjunction with other treatment programs, have been found to be effective in improving affect and demeanor within the correctional setting (Johnson, 2007; Gussak, 2009). A mixed-methods approach consisting of a systematic literature review and interviews with jail commanders at three central Indiana counties was conducted. Together, data collected from the literature review and interviews was used to develop a grant proposal that may be utilized in obtaining funding for the development and implementation of an art therapy program at a central Indiana county jail