MARK DAVIS introduced Mark Hurt, whose topic was “Mental Health Law and Criminal Justice Reform”. The Indiana legislature has appropriated $60 Million over the next 2 years for treatment and rehabilitation programs for individuals with mental illness and severe additions. The goal is treatment to reduce the need for hospitalization and incarceration – both very expensive housing.
Most mental health patients are not violent. Emphasis will be put on making sure they take their medications. In addition, funds will provide for more beds in psychiatric hospitals and more psychiatrists. The new law has probation officers, state hospitals, department of corrections, jails, re-entry courts, prosecutors and judges working together in ways they have not attempted before. There is great hope that citizens in need of help will receive it; crime rates will drop; and the expense of housing mentally ill people will be reduced. Mark answered several good questions following his program and stayed after the meeting to discuss issues with members.
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