No one wins when people suffering from mental illness enter the criminal-justice system. Although most people with mental illness commit crimes that are unrelated to their condition, treating mental illness in prison presents challenges. The expense, high recidivism rates, and other problems arising from inadequate care can be curbed with proper interventions that address both the illness and other criminogenic risk factors. This panel will discuss how Texas can improve public safety, control costs, and address the needs of those with mental illness.
Join the Texas Public Policy Foundation as we explore the right prescription for mental health in criminal justice.
Veronica Alfalla, Peer Specialist, Austin State Hospital
Katharine Ligon, Mental Health Policy Analyst, Center for Public Policy Priorities
Kate Murphy, Mental Health Policy Fellow contributing to the Center for Health Care Policy, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Stephen Tausend, Counsel to U.S. Senator John Cornyn