Identifying homeless mentally ill veterans in jail: a preliminary report.

Increasing evidence exists that suggests associations between mental illness, homelessness, and criminal activity and arrest. This article describes a program for identifying and providing treatment and housing for homeless mentally ill veterans detained at the Cook County Jail in Chicago. Preliminary data are provided describing characteristics of the veterans assessed in the jail, as well as those veterans who follow up with services upon release. The usefulness of an urban jail as a site for outreach efforts targeting homeless mentally ill veterans is discussed.