Discuss the role of law enforcement and mental health courts in deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• In the 1960s and 1970s, efforts were made to remove mentally ill and intellectually disabled individuals from institutional settings, where they were abused or their needs were not met.
• Institutions also were run down and costly to maintain.
• Because of a lack of community facilities, though, many of these individuals ended up homeless or in inadequate care after they were released from institutions.
• Law enforcement officers encountered them on streets. The crimes they committed were generally not serious, but instead were such behaviors as disturbing the peace, public intoxication, trespassing, or harassing passersby (such as panhandling).
• Gradually, law enforcement agencies began to train police in how to handle persons with mental disorders; in some communities, specialized police units worked with the mentally ill, such as by connecting them with community social services.
• Mental health courts were established during the late 20th century to deal with crimes of the mentally disordered.
• Unless the crimes were serious, the courts diverted the mentally ill to community services, where they could obtain treatment and be offered places to live under supervision.
• Mental health courts consulted with mental health professionals to assure that treatment and supervision could be provided.
• The mentally ill were sent to institutions only as a last resort; if sent, their status was to be reviewed periodically to avoid their being held indefinitely.