Wow! Only half.

Last week the Justice Department released results of a survey that showed more than half of American prisoners reported mental health problems within the last year. I’m not sure the news comes as news to people who work on the front lines, but it seems to be getting a lot of play and hopefully raising awareness about the need for appropriate mental health services. Below are links to different takes on the story and one to an older PBS article on ways to address the criminalization of people with mental disorders.

Human Rights Watch alert

More reserved article at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The study, by the Bureau of Justice Statistics

From PBS last year: “Breaking the Cycle”

Intro:

“Once released from prison, mentally ill ex-offenders are faced with the challenges of reintegrating into their communities. Those who do not make a successful transition relapse and return to prison. But across the country, community groups and prison and mental health officials are working together to break this cycle.”

Full article, including links to information about model programs.

posted by Daniele Sadres