One of the biggest areas that I believe that the justice system could use improvement is in the field of mental health. While those that are rendered a verdict of not quilt due to mental illness have the benefit of being treated at a mental health facility, it unfortunately does not mean that all those are in need of mental health care receive it. Not only are those with serious mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, are likely to be charged with a crime but far to often those with mental health issues are found guilty and sent in to the regular correctional system (Mental Health Care America, 2018).
The normal correctional system is unfortunately not always properly equipped to handle the special needs of those requiring mental health treatment. The most common way that corrections institutions deal with inmates with mental health issues is to separate them from the general population. While this is done to protect them it also can exacerbate the occurring issue. Beyond the basic provision of medication and periodic psychiatric treatment their disorders go untreated. This doesn’t seem to be too serious until one realizes that surveys have placed the number or inmates suffering from serious mental health issues as high as 20% and in prisons the number is estimated to be 15% (Treatment Advocacy, 2016).
Beyond the lack of formal treatment, inmates suffering from mental health issues are also at higher risk for other issues. Issues such as physical assault, sexual assault, theft, increased infractions, and more. They are also more likely to serve the full amount of their sentence due the higher likelihood of their mental health issues being perceived as rules violations (Mental Health Care America, 2018).
While a complete change of the justice system and it’s persecution of those that violate the law isn’t something that is feasible, any type of change that would make it easier for a not guilty verdict due to mental illness could possibly lead to criminals abusing it. Therefore, prosecutors should be more aware of potential mental health issues and be more willing to work with individuals to provide the best treatment. Once in the justice system correctional facilities should work more towards seeing the individuals as not just inmates but as mental health patients as well. Facilities specializing in these treatments should be provided in order to best meet both the societies and individuals needs.
References
Access to Mental Health Care and Incarceration. (2018). Retrieved from: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/access-mental-health-care-and-incarceration
Serious Mental Illness Prevalence in Jails and Prisons. (2016). Retrieved from: http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/3695
Tags: Mental health, Prisons