Amen, Liz... A vicious cycle can result from not being properlytreated--and/or not taking medications--and then falling into the hands of the criminal justice system as a result of behavior stemming from this.
Expecting to come out from a stay behind bars in a healthier mental state than when one went in... is akin to expecting to win the lottery without having bought a ticket.
John

Dear John,

I am very much in agreement with your thoughts. The State of Florida and in particular Broward County was the first to recognize that the legal system had to address the mental health of individuals differently from the criminal element.

The first judge to preside over such a court was the Honorable Ginger Lerner-Wren.

While your comments are relevant as well as important I am once again taken aback by the flagrant misuse and sensationalism of the news media and the fact that all too often they do a disservice toward mental health advocacy, education and the elimination of discrimination and stigma.

More folks just have to speak up as did Ms. Givens to right the record or information.

Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com

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Liz - also check out the following:
http://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/harcourt-mentally-ill-prisoners/index.html