People With Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System

As a former trial judge and justice, I have seen growing involvement and leadership from the judicial system, both from judges and law enforcement, seeking solutions to the revolving door of criminal justice for those with mental illness. Told with real- life, gut-wrenching letters, but followed by guides, tools, resources, and education for the treatment community, the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry has written a powerful tool for real- life approaches... A must read for every physician, psychiatrist, and medical student. -Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, Retired, Ohio Supreme Court, retired Beyond the vivid stories, lay illustrations of how we, as psychiatrists, can start to be part of the solution. The authors provide empowering information and guidance, for those of us with a curiosity to learn and do more. A must read for anyone working in community psychiatry, or even anyone in the justice system. -Dianna Dragatsi, M.D., Assistant in Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, Director, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room, of New York-Presbyterian Hospital Sobering, compelling, and inspiring, this profoundly important and timely book provides a manual of practical steps to address the concerns of both public health and public safety through establishing collaborative problem- solving partnerships between mental health providers and criminal justice personnel. The authors call for engaged involvement spanning from community to correctional facilities that is integrated, trauma informed, and recovery oriented, and attends to factors associated with illegal behaviors. An invaluable resource for all working to address the overrepresentation of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system. -Michael K. Champion, M.D., Forensic Chief, Hawai'i Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division, Former Chair, Workgroup on Mental Illness and Criminal Justice of the Council on Psychiatry and Law, American Psychiatric Association