According to the Global Prison Trends report published this year by Penal Reform International and the Thailand Institute of Justice, there are more people in prison than ever before. More than 11 million, with growth of female imprisonment far outstripping male imprisonment.
Overcrowding, poor nutrition and medical neglect contribute substantially to poorer health outcomes for incarcerated people. There are higher rates of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, as well as mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use. Each year spent in prison is associated with a two-year decline in life expectancy.
The importance of scholarly research into the health of people involved with the justice system has never been clearer. Evidence-based reform of carceral and probational healthcare is essential. Health & Justice is uniquely placed to serve this need.
Calls for Papers
To meet this need, Health & Justice has recently launched three new collections on topics important to health and research of justice-involved people.
Health equity for justice-involved individuals with special educational needs and disabilities
Guest Editors:
Nitsan Almog, PhD, Ono Academic College, Tel Aviv, Israel
Gila Amitay, PhD, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Afula, Israel
This Collection invites interdisciplinary research and commentary on the health and wellbeing of individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are involved in the adult or juvenile justice system. People with SEND—including those with neurodevelopmental conditions, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairments—face heightened vulnerability and systemic barriers throughout their justice involvement, from initial contact to incarceration and reintegration.
The Editors have adopted a broad health equity approach, addressing intersecting vulnerabilities such as socioeconomic disadvantage, racial disparities, migration status, LGBTQ+ identities, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups who face compounded barriers across health, education, and justice systems.
Submission Deadline: 24 August 2026
Bridging the gap: Continuity of behavioral healthcare across the criminal justice continuum
Guest Editors:
Tonya Van Deinse, M.S.W., PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
Wendy Guastaferro PhD, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA.
Individuals involved in the adult and juvenile justice systems often face myriad challenges, particularly when it comes to substance use disorders and mental illness. These challenges are exacerbated by the disjointed nature of care that many experience. By enhancing our understanding in this area, we can bridge the gaps in care and access to care, ultimately leading to improved health and safety outcomes for individuals.
Despite advancements in knowledge, there is still much work to be done in developing and disseminating effective interventions addressing the independent and combined influence of substance use and mental illness on criminal justice outcomes. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and focusing on translational science, we can create a more effective and equitable justice system that promotes health and well-being.
Submission Deadline: 15 July 2026
Innovative and ethical research methodologies in carceral health settings
Guest Editor:
Kathryn M. Nowotny PhD, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
Understanding the health needs of justice-involved individuals requires research approaches that are both ethically sound and methodologically robust. As the intersection of health and justice continues to evolve, it is essential to explore innovative strategies for conducting research in carceral contexts—particularly those that center the voices and experiences of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations.
This Collection focuses on survey methodology and qualitative research, and implementation science in correctional health settings, highlighting the ethical, methodological, and practical challenges researchers face. From navigating informed consent and institutional review processes to adapting data collection tools for constrained environments, the Collection aims to showcase creative approaches that uphold research integrity while generating meaningful insights.
Submission Deadline: 15 June 2026