Designing Technology-Assisted Interventions for Justice-Impacted Black American Women.

Abstract

This study explores the challenges faced by justice-impacted Black women during their reintegration into society, with a focus on mental health care access and the potential for technology-assisted interventions to address barriers. Participants from focus groups emphasized significant obstacles, including inadequate mental health resources during incarceration, insufficient post-release support, and barriers such as discrimination, lack of insurance, and transportation issues. When designing technology-assisted interventions, such as the Welcome Home app, additional considerations for justice-impacted Black women include trauma-informed design, tiered support systems, integration with electronic health records, privacy protection, and culturally tailored content. The study underscores the importance of culturally relevant, user-centered digital solutions to improve health outcomes and facilitate the successful reintegration of Black women impacted by the criminal legal system. Apps that provide a sense of community promote engagement, which may improve health outcomes.