America's relationship with its mentally ill population continues to suffer due to inadequacies in the country's mental
Question:
America's relationship with its mentally ill population continues to suffer due to inadequacies in the country's mental health care system.
For the mentally ill in Chicago, the effects of this inadequacy are felt on a magnified scale, as budget cuts and a lack of community-based mental health resources have left these individuals with minimal support. More often than not, this means being repeatedly swept up into the criminal justice system for low-level, non-violent crimes.
VICE News takes an immersive look at this issue by going inside the Cook County Jail and speaking with community members on Chicago's south side. For this week's discussion forum, please consider the text readings and watch a video called Institutionalized: Mental Health Behind Bars I posted for you. Once you have done so, answer the following questions, making sure you relate your response to the text and video.
1. Why do you feel so many mentally ill individuals end up behind bars? Is it the only alternative for the criminal justice system?
2. Do you feel that the criminal justice system is doing everything it can to address the issues of the mentally ill while in custody? What can or who should be responsible?
Income Tax Fundamentals 2013
ISBN: 9781285586618
31st Edition
Authors: Gerald E. Whittenburg, Martha Altus Buller, Steven L Gill