The prison system both on the state and federal levels have to deal with inmates, who have special needs, may be mentally ill, or have problems with substance abuse. Mentally ill inmates make up between 10 to 15% of the prison populations. Inmates with a substance abuse problem make up about two-thirds of the prison population. These individuals have special needs and require different items than an individual who does not have these types of problems. (nationalreentryresourcecenter.com) If the prison is not equipped with the right treatment programs for these individuals they may face mistreatment or neglect. The prisons need to have support from the local mental health boards to treat these patients. They also need to set up a division within the prison system to deal with the individuals who may need the services. The inmates rooms must met their special needs, including a padded room if needed. There also has to be medications available for the inmates to take if needed.
There needs to be different treatment programs in place. There may be anger management, drug classes, classes on how to deal with stress, etc. The staff is trained properly to handle the different situations they may face with these types of inmates. The inmates are monitored for progress and treatments will need to be modified if needed. .
The medications and treatments can be expensive for the prison system. This is why most individuals who have a mental illness will go to a mental hospital for treatment instead of the prison system. There are times that mentally ill or substance abuse inmates need to be separated from the other inmates for their safety or the safety of others. Without the proper training and programs these individuals will not be ready for release into the general population or from prison. The needs of these individuals have to be met for things to change for them. Our justice system is built on the foundation that prisons are meant to be the facilities that carry out the punishment of crimes, to further protect society, and if possible rehabilitation.
