We need mental health facilities in every state so that prisons are not getting people who need help and therapy.
First we need to address long term mental health issues that can’t be handled as out patient therapy. If we have to we need to set up assisted living homes for this issue. We already have it for elderly and disabled so mental health isn’t much of a stretch. Second we need to address the legal aspect. As legal issues arise instead of sending these people to jail we need to send them to in house care facilities. If they are determined they can be released then as a part of their parole they can be remanded to outpatient therapy for their mandatory check ins.
Next issue drug abuse. We also need drug rehab facilities in every state these places will also take the place of jail terms . Once someone is forced to get clean and has had therapy for a determined amount of time their parole can be in halfway houses and mandatory drug tests. This will also free up jail space and get people help and hopefully on the way to recovery. We need to be proactive with the mental health of Americans . State facilities need to be made available in every state, how many facilities will also depend on the population of the state. Halfway houses need to be available strictly for these facilities. We are failing the people.