Mental Health, Addiction & Incarceration

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For the Day of Conversation - Mental Health, Addiction & Incarceration Mental Health, Addiction & Incarceration Overview, links to resources and conversation guide for the day of your conversation.
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The is growing awareness and concern at the high rates (50-60%) of mentally ill people inside our jails and prisons. What is the appropriate response to an individual with mental health challenges who commits a crime? Does it depend on the crime? What is the role of addiction and mental illness? To what degree are mental health problems emerging because of the atmosphere in our criminal justice system? As co-hosts, create a space where different perspectives on this important question can be shared openly.

Rounds/Questions: The Living Room Conversation Starts Here

Round One: Getting Started / Why Are We Here?
● What interested you or drew you to this conversation?

Round Two: Core Values
Answer one or more of the following:

Round Three: Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Incarceration
● How should we balance the needs of community safety with the needs of the mentally ill and/or indigent who are arrested, their family and others?
● What is an appropriate level of community-provided support for mentally ill, addicted and indigent individuals?
● How do we provide, when appropriate, alternatives to jail for mentally ill, addicted and indigent individuals?
● Where is mental illness and community safety on your top-10 community focus list? Why?

Round Four: Reflection
Answer one or more of the following questions:

Round Five: Accomplishment and Next Steps
Answer both of the following questions:
● What is one important thing you thought was accomplished here?
