Chapter 4: Reducing Criminalization of Mental Disorders
- Page ID
- 327698
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 4.1: Chapter Learning Objectives and Overview
- This page discusses the criminalization of mental disorders in marginalized populations, using the story of Jamie to highlight the challenges faced when encountering law enforcement. It advocates for diverting individuals with mental disorders from the criminal justice system and reviews interventions such as mental health courts to address these issues effectively. Key terms are presented to enhance understanding of the topic and potential solutions.
- 4.2: Criminalization of Mental Disorders
- This page examines the criminalization of mental disorders, detailing the negative impact on individuals like Jamie when they encounter the criminal justice system. It connects this to the deinstitutionalization movement, which failed to provide adequate community support post-hospitalization, leading to increased incarceration among those with mental health issues.
- 4.3: The Costs of Criminalization
- This page examines the financial and human toll of criminalizing mental illness, detailing the high costs of incarceration and its impacts on mental health and community safety, especially for marginalized groups. It highlights advocacy by organizations like NAMI to combat this issue through education and personal stories, while connecting mental health crises with homelessness.
- 4.4: Diversion from the Criminal Justice System
- This page discusses diversion in the criminal justice system, focusing on its role in redirecting individuals away from criminalization through support and treatment. It outlines the benefits of early diversion, like preventing offenses and reducing costs, while also addressing challenges, particularly for at-risk youth.
- 4.5: Sequential Intercept Model
- This page outlines the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) by SAMHSA, highlighting diversion opportunities for individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system. It emphasizes community resources to prevent system entry, non-arrest interventions, and mental health courts that support individuals instead of punishing them. While promoting sustainable behavioral changes, critics note potential system entrenchment.
- 4.6: Chapter Summary
- This page discusses the criminalization of mental disorders as communities turn to the justice system for management, adversely affecting marginalized groups. It highlights the negative legal and financial implications and introduces diversion programs as alternatives to incarceration. The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) is presented as a framework for identifying diversion points and enhancing community program strategies.
- 4.7: References
- This page discusses the intersection of mental health, homelessness, and the criminal justice system, focusing on the criminalization of mentally ill individuals and the challenges they face in incarceration. It advocates for systemic reforms and improved mental health services.


