Event Title
Mentally Ill Offenders in Correctional Facilities
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
Offenders with mental illness are often forgotten within the criminal justice system, even though they are recycled throughout the system repeatedly. This is no different when such offenders are held within correctional facilities. Research indicates that offenders with mental illnesses require more care while incarcerated but since this population of individuals are often ignored, many do not get the treatment they deserve. While incarcerated, mental health related symptoms for this population are exacerbated. Correctional facilities should require mandatory screening methods for every incoming inmate in order to identify individuals with mental illnesses and the treatment they require. Research indicates that incorporating additional training for correctional officers with the aim of properly handling such offenders will decrease violence within correctional facilities. Extensive research has also shown that discharge planning through vocational training and education, as well as providing connections with mental health care providers upon their release could decrease reoffending. Sufficient treatment for offenders with mental illnesses while incarcerated will likely reduce recidivism and may better prepare them for re-entry into the community.
Mentally Ill Offenders in Correctional Facilities
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Offenders with mental illness are often forgotten within the criminal justice system, even though they are recycled throughout the system repeatedly. This is no different when such offenders are held within correctional facilities. Research indicates that offenders with mental illnesses require more care while incarcerated but since this population of individuals are often ignored, many do not get the treatment they deserve. While incarcerated, mental health related symptoms for this population are exacerbated. Correctional facilities should require mandatory screening methods for every incoming inmate in order to identify individuals with mental illnesses and the treatment they require. Research indicates that incorporating additional training for correctional officers with the aim of properly handling such offenders will decrease violence within correctional facilities. Extensive research has also shown that discharge planning through vocational training and education, as well as providing connections with mental health care providers upon their release could decrease reoffending. Sufficient treatment for offenders with mental illnesses while incarcerated will likely reduce recidivism and may better prepare them for re-entry into the community.