Your answers are complete, well thought out, logical, reflect your knowledge on the subject, and reflect the writing skills.
Question:
large percentage of the jail and prison population has been diagnosed with a mental illness. Based on readings what are some (at least three) factors that can be used to explain this high rate of incarceration of people with mental illness. How accurate are these factors in explaining mental illness in jails and prisons? Based on the factors discussed, what policy changes should be made, if any, to address mental illness in the criminal justice system?
References:
Mental Health Readings:
Raphael, S., & Stoll, M. A. (2013). Assessing the contribution of the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill to growth in the US incarceration rate. The Journal of Legal Studies, 42.
Swartz, J. A., & Lurigio, A. (2007).Serious mental illness and arrest: The generalized mediating effect of substance abuse. Crime and Delinquency, 53, 581-604.
Morabito, M. S., & Socia, K. M. (2015). Is dangerousness a myth? Injuries and police encounters with people with mental illnesses. Criminology and Public Policy, 14, 253-276.
Smith, K. L. (2012). Lost souls: Constitutional implications for the deficiencies in treatment for persons with mental illness in custody. Golden Gate University Law Review, 42, 497-523.
Hnatow, D. (November 2015). Emergency psychiatry: Working with law enforcement to provide health care for the acute mentally ill. Psychiatric Times.