NYC To Spend $130M To Divert People With Mental Illness From Jails
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plans are based on the recommendations of a task force he appointed following reports detailing problems at the city's troubled Rikers Island jail complex, including the deaths of two inmates suffering from serious mental illness.
The Associated Press:
Mayor: $130M To Revamp NYC Jails For Mentally Ill
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plans, to be announced Tuesday, are based on the recommendations of a task force he appointed following a series of reports by The Associated Press detailing problems at Rikers, including the deaths of two inmates suffering from serious mental illness. (12/2)
The New York Times:
New York City Plans Focus On Mental Health In Justice System
In an effort to reduce the growing number of inmates with mental health and substance abuse problems in New York City’s jails, the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans on Monday to significantly expand public health services at almost every step of the criminal justice process. City officials, who are allocating $130 million over four years to the project, said their goal was to break the revolving door of arrest, incarceration and release that has trapped many troubled individuals in the system for relatively minor, quality-of-life offenses. (Winerip and Schwirtz, 12/1)
The Wall Street Journal:
De Blasio Task Force Proposes Changes To Address Mentally Ill In New York City’s Criminal-Justice System
The plan represents the latest step by city officials to overhaul law enforcement, courts and jail systems in the wake of high-profile episodes involving mentally ill inmates at Rikers Island. The jail complex also has come under scrutiny after reports of dangerous conditions and lapses in treatment and supervision. (O'Brien, 12/1)
