I am a firm believer that a lot of people locked up have mental illness issues that are not being properly addressed. If you look at how Norway rehabilitates criminals and the impact it has on the overall society, why is every prison system not following what they are doing. I mean after all our prisons and jails are supposed to be rehabilitating people with the few exceptions where it is all about punishment.
Here in Idaho the leadership in the prison system did visit Norway and tried to not only implement some of what Norway does, and other practices like EMDR and Equine therapy, but the JFAC committee in the Idaho Legislature refused to fund such ideas, they focus strictly on medication. That is an antiquated approach to addressing mental illness. I feel the more tools the better, sure some people need meds, but some people could be just fine with holistic therapies.
Another issue inside prison and jails are the amount of rights violations that occur and go either unreported or ignored. Here in Idaho we have eight different counties that can't meet the basic level of care yet alone anything for mental illness. Our prisons are practicing outdated models, and I do know that the lawyers at Disability Rights Idaho have had to hold the prison accountable more than once over their refusal to comply with the law when it comes to providing accommodations.
I have a unique solution that would fix the problem very quickly. There are two American Legion Post with in the Idaho correctional system. Our country loves Veterans and when we cry about something we usually get it, especially organizations like the American Legion. I say have the lawyers and advocates educate the Vets inside the prisons that are part of the American Legion on what their rights are. Then let the Veterans complain to their Congressional Leaders, I guarantee you the prisons and jails would un-fuck themselves quickly.
What do I know though? I am just some guy with an IQ higher than some people's credit scores.
Sincerely,
Mikey