Mental Illness in the Prison System The correctional system in the United States has undergone shifts from incarceration and punishment to rehabilitation at various times over time demonstrating a need for policy and legislation that meets the needs of both offenders and members of the community. Fluctuations in opposing policies reflect the cultural values and social norms of the times, but treatment and care for incarcerated adults and juveniles who suffer from mental illness is an issue that deserves further evaluation. While the safety of the community at large remains an important factor when determining future policy initiatives, careful and direct implementation of legislation to improve the quality of care given to these individuals
…show more content…
Nearly half of mentally ill inmates have been incarcerated for the commission of non violent offenses and low-level misdemeanors and most are serving longer sentences than violent offenders (Tomasini & Imas, 2005). In Colorado, inmates with mental disorder typically serve on average, 47.3 percent of their sentences while other inmates serve only 28.1 percent (Barrett et al, 2004). Many institutions experience overcrowding and as a result inmates receive minimal care and are often released without support leading them to return to the criminal behaviors they depend on for survival. As states move toward truth in sentencing laws, which require inmates to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, more mentally ill patients are left to suffer with inadequate treatment or case management (Aufderheide, 2014). This additional burden has created increased incidents of self-harm, victimizations and violent outbursts that compromise the safety of the inmate and of those around …show more content…
Sadly the public has faced an increased threat to safety as untreated inmates are continually being released into society. Successful community reintegration can only be achieved by a push toward rehabilitation that provides continuous benefits and accommodations to inmates who suffer from mental illness. Persons with psychiatric disabilities rely heavily on federal benefit programs for housing, food and medical care and evidence shows that eligible offenders who receive such benefits show increased rates of success (Tomasini & Imas, 2005). Recidivism rates can reach as high as 70 percent in some jurisdictions without needed services such as medication supplies and housing (Barrett et al, 2004). The medical profession has a chance to advocate for changes by capitalizing on public health opportunities for diagnosing and treating mental disease and for linking patients to care after release (Rich et al, 2011). The most important stakeholder in this criminal justice problem is the individual. Mental health disorders, addiction and substance abuse are common treatable conditions that exist in our communities. The ability of the justice system to incorporate the aid of medical and healthcare teams into the structure of the environment can only create
Nearly half of mentally ill inmates have been incarcerated for the commission of non violent offenses and low-level misdemeanors and most are serving longer sentences than violent offenders (Tomasini & Imas, 2005). In Colorado, inmates with mental disorder typically serve on average, 47.3 percent of their sentences while other inmates serve only 28.1 percent (Barrett et al, 2004). Many institutions experience overcrowding and as a result inmates receive minimal care and are often released without support leading them to return to the criminal behaviors they depend on for survival. As states move toward truth in sentencing laws, which require inmates to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, more mentally ill patients are left to suffer with inadequate treatment or case management (Aufderheide, 2014). This additional burden has created increased incidents of self-harm, victimizations and violent outbursts that compromise the safety of the inmate and of those around …show more content…
Sadly the public has faced an increased threat to safety as untreated inmates are continually being released into society. Successful community reintegration can only be achieved by a push toward rehabilitation that provides continuous benefits and accommodations to inmates who suffer from mental illness. Persons with psychiatric disabilities rely heavily on federal benefit programs for housing, food and medical care and evidence shows that eligible offenders who receive such benefits show increased rates of success (Tomasini & Imas, 2005). Recidivism rates can reach as high as 70 percent in some jurisdictions without needed services such as medication supplies and housing (Barrett et al, 2004). The medical profession has a chance to advocate for changes by capitalizing on public health opportunities for diagnosing and treating mental disease and for linking patients to care after release (Rich et al, 2011). The most important stakeholder in this criminal justice problem is the individual. Mental health disorders, addiction and substance abuse are common treatable conditions that exist in our communities. The ability of the justice system to incorporate the aid of medical and healthcare teams into the structure of the environment can only create