Outline Heather Cherry AIU Online 1. Introduction: State Pri ✓ Solved

Outline Heather Cherry AIU Online 1. Introduction: State prisons host ten times prisoners with mental illnesses than psychiatric hospitals(Fields & Phillips, 2013). Previous report indicates that prison wardens have unwillingly become caretakers of the growing mentally disturbed population even with their poorly equipped facilities and inadequate skills.

Prison systems across the United States have increasingly become de facto mental health institutions, with many incarcerated individuals suffering from various mental illnesses. According to Fields and Phillips (2013), state prisons house ten times more prisoners with mental health issues than psychiatric hospitals, highlighting a troubling trend. Historically, mental health treatment was often disconnected from the correctional system, but the current situation reveals a troubling overlap where correctional facilities serve as the primary environment for managing mental health crises among inmates. This paper explores the extent of this issue, the challenges faced by correctional institutions, and the implications for policy reform.

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In contemporary America, prisons have increasingly become repositories for individuals suffering from mental illnesses, raising critical questions about the appropriate environment for mental health treatment. The overrepresentation of mentally ill inmates in correctional facilities is a consequence of systemic failures to provide adequate mental health services and a history of criminalizing mental health conditions. This situation has resulted in correctional facilities being overwhelmed and ill-equipped to meet the needs of this vulnerable population, leading to adverse outcomes both for inmates and for public health.

The historical context offers a stark contrast to today’s scenario. In the past, individuals with mental health disorders were often confined in inhumane conditions, such as dungeons or asylum prisons, with little regard for their dignity or well-being. Over time, efforts were made to differentiate between correctional and mental health facilities. However, with deinstitutionalization and cutbacks in mental health funding, many individuals with mental illnesses found themselves without proper care and increasingly within the prison system. As Fuller (2015) notes, prisons in the United States have become the "new asylums," where inmates with untreated or poorly managed mental illnesses are housed indefinitely.

Studies show that a significant percentage of prisoners suffer from mental health conditions. Wolfe et al. (2014) found that over 75% of inmates in jails and prisons have some form of mental disorder. Research indicates that mental health issues are more prevalent among certain subpopulations, such as female inmates and younger prisoners (Wolfe et al., 2014). Additionally, homelessness among inmates suffering from mental illness exacerbates their vulnerability, making reintegration into society more challenging upon release. A history of physical or sexual abuse further complicates mental health treatment, often intensifying symptoms and making healthcare provision more complex.

Access to adequate mental health treatment within correctional facilities remains limited. The challenges faced by public health professionals include shortages of trained staff, limited resources, and the stigma associated with mental illness. Isolation and solitary confinement, often used as disciplinary measures or safety protocols, contribute to worsening mental health conditions, leading to a cycle that can be difficult to break. Moreover, the lack of standardized treatment protocols and insufficient integration of mental health and correctional services prevent effective management of mental disorders in prisons and jails.

Policy makers and public health officials must acknowledge their responsibility in addressing the rising mental health crisis within correctional systems. Reforms are urgently needed, including the reformation of treatment laws governing correctional facilities to prioritize mental health care. Implementing targeted treatment programs for inmates with severe psychological issues can improve outcomes and reduce recidivism. The government should allocate funds and resources specifically for mental health services within prisons, ensuring that inmates receive appropriate care rather than being merely warehoused.

Methodologically, assessing the scope of mental health issues in correctional settings involves conducting comprehensive surveys of inmates, supplemented with data from prison health records. The accuracy of data can be influenced by underreporting due to stigma or lack of proper screening procedures. Accurate data collection is essential for designing effective interventions and allocating resources efficiently.

The findings from various data sources indicate that mental health problems are widespread in correctional facilities. Data from prisons and local jails reveal high rates of diagnosed mental health conditions, with a significant number of inmates requiring immediate intervention. Many of these individuals do not receive adequate treatment during incarceration, which contributes to poor health outcomes and increased violence within the facilities.

In conclusion, prisoners face significant mental health challenges, surpassing those of the general public. There is an urgent need for policy reforms and increased resource allocation to ensure proper treatment and care for inmates with mental illnesses. Public health professionals, policymakers, and correctional authorities must work collaboratively to decriminalize mental health issues, promote humane treatment, and integrate mental health services within correctional systems. Such efforts are vital to uphold human dignity and improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population (Brown, 2015; Fuller, 2015).

References

• Brown, R. L. (2015). Decriminalizing Mental Illness: The Need for Treatment over Incarceration. Journal of Public Health Policy, 36(2), 235-245.
• Fields, G., & Phillips, E. E. (2013). The new asylums: jails swell with mentally ill. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com
• Fuller, D. (2015). The New Asylums: Mentally Ill and Behind Bars. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(4), 300-306.
• Wolfe, H. R., Haas, S., & Olley, C. (2014). Prison Abuse and Mental Health. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 20(2), 134-146.
• Fazel, S., & Seewald, K. (2012). Severe mental illness in 33,588 prisoners worldwide: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), 364-373.
• Lamb, H. R., & Weinberger, L. E. (2017). Addressing the unmet mental health needs of incarcerated populations. Psychiatric Services, 68(11), 1079-1081.
• Maschi, T., et al. (2013). Mental health and correctional systems: a comparative review. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 57(3), 260-276.
• Metzl, J. M., & Macleish, K. T. (2015). Crime, mental illness, and prison reform. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(9), 732-733.
• Petersilia, J. (2017). The challenges of mental health treatment in prisons. Federal Probation, 81(2), 19-27.
• Steadman, H. J., et al. (2013). From the asylum to the jail: Mental health policy in the criminal justice system. Psychiatric Services, 58(5), 646-652.