EmpowHER not ImprisonHER
The number of incarcerated people suffering from a mental health problem has risen to an alarmingly high number. In 2005, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that more than half of all prison and jail inmates had a mental health problem and 16% suffer from a serious mental illness (James & Glaze, 2006). These are occurring at much higher rates for women than they are for men. Mental health problems are defined as a recent history of symptoms identified by the DSM-IV or a clinical diagnosis. In the general population of people eighteen years old and over, one out of ten have a mental illness, but it is five times that in the incarcerated population.
With the issue of mental health among women offenders on the rise, something needs to be done to combat the problem. We have a social responsibility to take action to help them improve their quality of life and productivity to society. This population of women are in need for services from the point of arrest all the way through re-entry. With assistance we can ensure public safety and reduce recidivism rates.
YOU can help. YOU can make a difference.
Please take one moment to add your name to this petition to show your support.
Updates
August 11, 2010
The stories shared in the comments section highlight the urgent need for systemic reform in how we address mental health for incarcerated women. I am currently coordinating with local advocacy groups to determine the most effective way to present these signatures to the department of corrections.
August 11, 2010
The momentum behind this initiative proves that many people recognize the urgent need for systemic reform regarding mental health. I am encouraged by this collective commitment to prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration for these women. Please continue circulating this petition as we prepare to present these findings to the relevant authorities.
3 Comments
Fix the system instead of just throwing people in cells. It makes no sense to ignore the root cause.
Prisons arent the right place for someone fighting mental illness. They need actual help not to be locked away and forgotten. Hope this starts changing things.
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EmpowHER not ImprisonHER
The number of incarcerated people suffering from a mental health problem has risen to an alarmingly high number. In 2005, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that more than half of all prison and jail inmates had a mental health problem and 16% suffer from a serious mental illness (James & Glaze, 2006). These are occurring at much higher rates for women than they are for men. Mental health problems are defined as a recent history of symptoms identified by the DSM-IV or a clinical diagnosis. In the general population of people eighteen years old and over, one out of ten have a mental illness, but it is five times that in the incarcerated population.
With the issue of mental health among women offenders on the rise, something needs to be done to combat the problem. We have a social responsibility to take action to help them improve their quality of life and productivity to society. This population of women are in need for services from the point of arrest all the way through re-entry. With assistance we can ensure public safety and reduce recidivism rates.
YOU can help. YOU can make a difference.
Please take one moment to add your name to this petition to show your support.
Updates
August 11, 2010
The stories shared in the comments section highlight the urgent need for systemic reform in how we address mental health for incarcerated women. I am currently coordinating with local advocacy groups to determine the most effective way to present these signatures to the department of corrections.
August 11, 2010
The momentum behind this initiative proves that many people recognize the urgent need for systemic reform regarding mental health. I am encouraged by this collective commitment to prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration for these women. Please continue circulating this petition as we prepare to present these findings to the relevant authorities.
3 Comments
HEARTBREAKING. These women need treatment and support programs not a prison record that ruins their chance at a normal life.
Fix the system instead of just throwing people in cells. It makes no sense to ignore the root cause.
Prisons arent the right place for someone fighting mental illness. They need actual help not to be locked away and forgotten. Hope this starts changing things.
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HEARTBREAKING. These women need treatment and support programs not a prison record that ruins their chance at a normal life.