Discuss the problem of mental health issues in jail facilities around America.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Jails in this country are full of the mentally ill, and, in many cases, these offenders are homeless. A host of problems can be associated with mental illnesses in jail systems, including homelessness, higher suicide rates, greater criminal engagement, prior abuse, and substance use. Those inmates with mental health problems tend to have a multiplicity of other issues that affect them as well. Naturally, these issues affect the inmate’s behavior and thus place a drain on the time and effort of jail staff. In addition, among those inmates who were mentally ill and/or had substance abuse or dependence issues, homelessness was a much more common phenomenon. Thus, the mentally ill inmate presents with a number of challenges for jail staff challenges that are not easily separated from each other. While it is not clear if the mental illness itself spawned these other issues or if these issues served to increase the likelihood of mental illness, it is clear that these offenders need help that extends well beyond the intended scope of most jail facilities.