The Silent Voice: Mental Illness in America’s Detention Facilities

Issues regarding mental health in prison systems, arrests, and recidivism have become common issues of debate as of late, and these debates are worth having. Mental health issues have a great impact on America’s justice system, to the point that if these problems can be solved, it could solve many of the issues pertaining to overspending, high recidivism rates, and maltreatment of prisoners. This paper addresses how America’s justice system treats people with mental illness, how well people with mental illness are reintroduced into society and their recidivism rates, and options for mental health treatment for offenders.