The American system is insane in so many ways.  This is one of many fruits of a materialistic culture on steroids.  How we treat our mentally ill, some of the most vulnerable in our culture, speaks volumes.  
"More Mentally Ill Persons Are in Jails and Prisons
Than Hospitals"
http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/storage/documents/final_jails_v_hospitals_study.pdf