Posted: January 18th, 2023
In this week’s discussion, you considered some of the issues surrounding the implementation of mental health courts. For this assignment, you have been hired to work on a proposal for a mental health court for your county.
Broward County, Florida, was a pioneer in this field, and studies of their system have been published. A search of the SUO library should begin there. Also, organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and Mental Health America have published position papers on the topic. A 2006 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) can provide needed background on incarcerated inmates with mental issues.
Using appropriate research, prepare a 4-6 page report in Microsoft Word that addresses the following points:
Last, if your county were to adopt or expand this model, the professionals involved in its implementation will need guidance. Conclude your report with guidelines and procedures for police, prosecutors, and public defenders. For example, how should police training be modified to help officers recognize mental health issues? What criteria should prosecutors use when deciding whether to divert a case? Use these questions as the beginning of this section.
Make certain that you support your proposal with proper reasoning and research data.
Submit your proposal in a four to six page report in Microsoft Word to the Submissions Area by the due date assigned. Name your file MCJ5001_W1_A3_LastName_FirstInitial.doc
SOLUTION:
Introduction:
Mental health courts are specialized court programs that aim to provide appropriate treatment and support for individuals with mental illnesses who come into contact with the criminal justice system. These courts aim to reduce recidivism and improve the overall well-being of individuals with mental health issues, as well as reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. In this report, we will review the current state of mental health courts, discuss the methodology used by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to support the need for mental health services in corrections, propose an updated study, and provide guidelines and procedures for police, prosecutors, and public defenders in the implementation of a mental health court.
Current State of Mental Health Courts:
Mental health courts are relatively new, with the first one established in Florida in 1997. However, they have become more prevalent in recent years, with over 400 mental health courts in operation in the United States as of 2019. This trend seems to be gaining support, as more and more jurisdictions are recognizing the benefits of these specialized court programs. It is unclear if mental health courts exist in your county presently, as the information is not provided.
Methodology Used by BJS to Support the Need for Mental Health Services in Corrections:
The BJS study, which was published in 2006, used data from the National Survey of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and the National Survey of Jail Health Services to examine the prevalence of mental health issues among inmates in state and local correctional facilities. The study found that a significant proportion of inmates had mental health issues, with estimates ranging from 16% to 33% of inmates in state and local facilities. The study also found that these inmates were more likely to have…….
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