Student Replies: Stephanie Guralmy View On The

Student Repliesstudent Reply 1 Stephanie Guralmy View On The Current

The current policies and practices in the criminal justice system often fail to address the root causes of crime. Instead of solely focusing on incarceration, there is a pressing need to incorporate treatment and rehabilitative approaches for offenders, especially those dealing with addiction and mental health issues. This perspective aligns with recent observations and case studies, illustrating the importance of systemic reform in criminal justice practices.

When individuals are arrested for drug-related offenses, the justice system should prioritize treatment over punishment. Many addicts find themselves incarcerated without access to proper rehabilitation programs, which merely serve as a temporary fix rather than a solution. By offering comprehensive addiction treatment programs during incarceration, offenders would have a better chance at reintegration into society as sober and productive individuals. Such programs could include medical detoxification, counseling, and support groups, which have been shown to reduce recidivism (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Similarly, mental health issues often underpin criminal behaviors. The case of Joseph Keen highlights the consequences of neglecting mental health treatment within the criminal justice system. Keen, who struggled with mood disorders, was incarcerated after strangling his wife. Despite his history of mental illness, he did not receive adequate psychiatric intervention during his three-year imprisonment (Harper et al., 2019). If mental health treatment had been prioritized, including counseling and potentially medication management, the violent episode might have been preventable.

Furthermore, addressing underlying mental health and behavioral issues could prevent similar tragedies and reduce the overall burden on the criminal justice system. Jail facilities should be equipped with mental health professionals and offer evidence-based interventions such as anger management and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Studies suggest that such approaches significantly decrease violent behaviors and improve outcomes (Lamb et al., 2014). Therefore, integrating therapeutic services into the criminal justice process not only treats the individual but also benefits society by reducing repeat offenses.

Implementing these reforms requires systemic change, including increased funding for mental health and addiction services, training for law enforcement in crisis intervention, and policy shifts toward diversion programs. The focus should shift from punitive measures to holistic rehabilitation, recognizing that offenders are often individuals suffering from untreated health conditions. This approach aligns with the philosophy of public health, emphasizing prevention and treatment over punishment.

Overall, transforming the criminal justice system to prioritize treatment for addiction and mental health issues is essential for addressing the root causes of crime. By doing so, society can reduce recidivism, promote recovery, and foster safer communities. Policy reforms should aim to create a more compassionate and effective system that recognizes the complex factors underlying criminal behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

The criminal justice system has long been criticized for its focus on punitive measures rather than addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Evidence increasingly suggests that many offenses stem from untreated mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. As such, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in how crimes are addressed, emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration alone.

One fundamental aspect of reform involves offering comprehensive treatment options for offenders with substance use disorders. Substance abuse remains a leading contributor to criminal activity, particularly in cases involving drug possession, theft to support drug habits, or violence stemming from intoxication (Mitchell et al., 2012). Unfortunately, prisons often lack sufficient resources to provide effective addiction treatment programs. When addicts are incarcerated without proper rehabilitation, they are often released back into society without the tools necessary to maintain sobriety, leading to high recidivism rates.

Research indicates that addiction treatment within the criminal justice framework can significantly reduce reoffending. For example, community-based treatment programs and court-mandated rehabilitation services have demonstrated success in sustaining sobriety and reducing criminal behavior (Lurigio & Augustine, 2017). Integrating such programs as a standard part of criminal justice procedures helps treat the root cause rather than merely punishing the symptom.

Similarly, mental health issues are often unaddressed within the criminal justice system, leading to violent and unpredictable behaviors. The case discussed in the initial responses, involving Joseph Keen, exemplifies the tragic consequences of neglecting mental health treatment. Keen’s history of mood disorders, combined with substance abuse, contributed to his violent act of strangling his wife. If mental health care had been prioritized during his incarceration, including counseling and medication management, it may have prevented this tragedy.

Evidence-based mental health interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, anger management, and psychiatric medication, have proven effective in managing aggressive behaviors (Kisely et al., 2016). Implementing these interventions within correctional facilities could reduce violence and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Mental health screenings upon entry and ongoing psychiatric care are vital components of this approach, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate treatment tailored to their needs.

Moreover, diversion programs offer promising avenues for addressing mental health and addiction issues outside of traditional incarceration settings. For example, mental health courts and drug courts provide specialized services targeting offenders with underlying health conditions. These programs aim to divert low-risk offenders into community treatment programs instead of jail, emphasizing recovery and social reintegration (Marlowe & Carey, 2019). Evidence shows that such programs can lead to better long-term outcomes, lower costs, and reduced prison overcrowding.

Implementing systemic reform requires policy support, increased funding, and training for law enforcement personnel. Crisis intervention teams trained in mental health de-escalation techniques can better handle individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, reducing potential violence and unnecessary jail admissions (Compton et al., 2014). Additionally, policymakers should prioritize funding for mental health and addiction services, recognizing their central role in effective criminal justice reform.

In conclusion, the current criminal justice system's approach to crime often overlooks the vital role of mental health and addiction treatment. Addressing these root causes through comprehensive treatment programs, diversion initiatives, and policy reforms can significantly reduce recidivism and enhance public safety. Society benefits when offenders are viewed as individuals with complex health needs rather than solely as lawbreakers. Moving forward, reforms must prioritize holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based strategies centered on recovery and social reintegration.

References

• Compton, M. T., Bakeman, R., Broussard, B., Cortes, M., Roy, P., & Chavez, L. (2014). The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model: An evidence-based practice for deinstitutionalization and reducing criminalization of people with mental illness. Best Practice & Research Clinical Psychiatry, 28(4), 503-517.
• Harper, S., Kelleher, K., & Wolff, N. (2019). Mental health and incarceration: Addressing mental illness among offenders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(10), 801-808.
• Kisely, S., Crowe, E., & Lawrence, D. (2016). The reduction of violence by treatment of mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 42(1), 1-15.
• Lamb, H.R., Weinberger, L.E., & DeCuir, W. (2014). Hospitalization of persons with mental illness: How effective are current interventions? Psychiatric Services, 65(4), 10-16.
• Lurigio, A. J., & Augustine, D. (2017). Substance use disorders and criminal justice: Evidence-based approaches for treatment and management. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 44(3), 245-259.
• Marlowe, D. B., & Carey, S. (2019). Evidence-based practices for forensic mental health: Engagement strategies for treatment success. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 58(6), 381-399.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivation interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications.
• Mitchell, S. G., Gryczynski, J., Schwartz, R. P., & Olsen, Y. (2012). Comparing outcomes associated with voluntary vs. court-ordered participation in drug treatment. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 7, 1-11.
• Lamb, H. R., Weinberger, L. E., & DeCuir, W. (2014). Hospitalization of persons with mental illness: How effective are current interventions? Psychiatric Services, 65(4), 10-16.
• Emigh, M. (2017). The efficacy of Drug Courts: Are Drug Courts Effective? Drug Court Success Rate. Retrieved from [source URL]