Mentally ill offenders commit crimes just like anybody else. Some of the characteristics for these offenders are that most of them are males under the age of 40 years old. About 13% have schizophrenia, 56% substance related cases, 10% of the cases were antisocial personality disorders, and 51% of cases were classified as having a low education level. Unemployment was found in 34% of cases. In more than half of the cases, the offenders had psychiatric healthcare prior to their offence. The offences include murders, sexual crimes, and violent and simple crimes (Psychiatry 2010; 9:4). Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2010; 9: 4.
Prison is a challenging environment for all prisoners but it is even harder for those with serious mental illnesses. “Prisons are not set up for people who have coping competence as limited as it is for some of these folks” (Human Rights Watch). Prisons are overcrowded places in which all prisoners struggle to respect themselves and maintain emotional balance despite the violence, exploitation, and extortion that is always present. There is no privacy, limitations on family and outside contacts, and the rare opportunities for education, meaningful work, or other productive, purposeful activities. Prisoners with mental illness must survive as …show more content…
These negotiations usually succeed when criminal charges are relatively minor because the case manager is able to ensure close supervision of the mentally ill offender in the community and the quick, honest reporting of any problems. For those who agree or are required to participate in community follow-up, case managers help link clients to specified services, such as psychiatric day treatment, substance abuse treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and educational services. In addition, case managers meet regularly with community based providers to monitor client progress. (Hoke,
Prison is a challenging environment for all prisoners but it is even harder for those with serious mental illnesses. “Prisons are not set up for people who have coping competence as limited as it is for some of these folks” (Human Rights Watch). Prisons are overcrowded places in which all prisoners struggle to respect themselves and maintain emotional balance despite the violence, exploitation, and extortion that is always present. There is no privacy, limitations on family and outside contacts, and the rare opportunities for education, meaningful work, or other productive, purposeful activities. Prisoners with mental illness must survive as …show more content…
These negotiations usually succeed when criminal charges are relatively minor because the case manager is able to ensure close supervision of the mentally ill offender in the community and the quick, honest reporting of any problems. For those who agree or are required to participate in community follow-up, case managers help link clients to specified services, such as psychiatric day treatment, substance abuse treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and educational services. In addition, case managers meet regularly with community based providers to monitor client progress. (Hoke,