Front End Justice: Diverting People Affected by Mental Illness from the Criminal Justice System

Authors

Ariel Esqueda, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Kelliann Kutschke, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Matthew Miller, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Kayleigh Wendland, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Author Affiliation

Department of Social Work, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Document Type

Policy Advocacy Brief

Publication Date

4-2021

Issue Statement/Executive Summary

Many of the people caught up in the criminal justice system are non-violent offenders struggling with mental illness, which cannot and should not be addressed through incarceration. Our jails and prisons are ill-equipped to provide effective mental health services. Incarceration compounds the problem by contributing to increased psychological distress. We are relying on the criminal justice system to respond to mental illness, rather than investing fully in the spectrum of mental health care from prevention to recovery. Minnesota must invest in diverting people affected by mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment, services, and supports that promote wellness, recovery, and stability.

Department

Social Work

Recommended Citation

Esqueda, A., Kutschke, K., Miller, M., & Wendland, K. (2021). Front end justice: Diverting people affected by mental illness from the criminal justice system. MSW Program Policy Advocacy Briefs, Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/msw-student-policy-advocacy-briefs/30