During her recent visit to Burlington, Governor Kathy Hochul discussed the importance of mental health in the criminal justice system. She emphasized the close relationship between mental health and public safety, with one-third of individuals in the criminal justice system struggling with untreated mental illness.
Hochul pointed out that prisons are not equipped to provide effective treatment for these individuals, leading to a cycle of untreated mental illness and recidivism. To address this issue, she announced investments and expansions in the budget, including $33 million specifically targeting mental health in the criminal justice system.
The Governor also highlighted increased funding for mental health facilities and teams, all aimed at breaking the cycle of untreated mental illness and incarceration. By focusing on mental health in the criminal justice system, Hochul hopes to improve outcomes for individuals struggling with mental illness and reduce recidivism rates.
These investments underscore the importance of addressing mental health needs in creating a more effective and humane criminal justice system.