Citation

Barsky BA. Psychiatr. Serv. 2022; 73(4): 463-466.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.202100707

PMID

35138116

Abstract

A recent federal investigation of prisons in Massachusetts has presented findings on the criminal legal system's continued failure to provide humane care for incarcerated individuals with mental disorders. The findings show that people in mental health crisis are placed in restrictive housing, where they lack monitoring and mental health resources-a practice that has led to frequent instances of self-harm and suicide. Since the investigation, Massachusetts has vowed to stop its use of restrictive housing. Skepticism remains about whether the state's decision will result in meaningful change in carceral mental health practices. This column explores the investigation's process, findings, and implications.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Mental Health; Criminal justice; Mental health services; Prisons; Housing; Prisoners; Criminal Law; Mental Disorders; Correctional Facilities; Jails and prisons; Law and psychiatry