NEW HANDBOOK:
When A Person With Mental illness Is Arrested: How to Help
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What is the Criminal Justice Program?
The NAMI-NYS Criminal Justice Program provides direct assistance to families when a family member with mental illness encounters the criminal justice system. Consultation, supportive assistance and direct intervention services are provided when a family member is arrested, faces court action or is incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility.

In addition, staff work with local affiliate groups to better understand the workings of the criminal justice system and to advocate more strongly for the kinds of reforms that are needed in the criminal justice system and the mental health system to meet the treatment and service needs of our loved ones and to keep them out of the criminal justice system. Staff also participate in educational and training programs across the state to enhance the understanding of mental illness among police, court and correctional personnel.

Why do we need the Criminal Justice Program?
Unfortunately, in New York State and across the country, large numbers of persons with mental illness pass through the criminal justice system and into jails and prisons every day. Estimates show that 10 to 15 percent of jail and prison inmates have a serious and persistent mental illness. In New York State that translates into between 10,000 and 15,000 persons.

Ignorance and unfamiliarity with mental illness on the part of criminal justice practitioners, and the inadequate availability of mental health services, leads to inappropriate care, and sometimes mistreatment of persons with mental illness. A growing body of research, information and practical experience, however, can help state and local governments and provider agencies to properly treat and meet the needs of such persons in the community as well as correctional facilities.

How will the program help families?
· Provide direct assistance to families who have a loved one who is arrested, faces court action, or is confined in a state or local correctional facility.

· Assist affiliates to better advocate for changes in how local criminal justice agencies and mental health agencies meet the needs of persons with a mental illness.

How will the program help change the system?
· Provide information to NAMI-NYS members on current treatment programs, strategies, proposed legislation, etc., to assist them in advocating for improvements in services for persons with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system.

· Provide technical assistance to criminal justice agencies regarding jail diversion services, mental health service programs for correctional facilities, discharge planning services and community mental health treatment programs.

· Participate in training programs for criminal justice practitioners to promote an understanding of the needs of people with mental illness and how best to address these needs.

· Work with community mental health agencies to strengthen services to persons with serious mental illness who are either diverted out of the justice, or are released from state and local correctional facilities.

How else can we help?
Families facing a criminal justice crisis can reach the Criminal Justice Director by calling our toll free help line, 1-800- 950-3228. You can also contact us by e-mail at naminys@naminys.org.

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