New Legislation Could Reduce Recidivism

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two state senators have joined forces to introduce a new bill that would address problems with the state prison system’s mental health care by increasing funding for programs, improving care, and providing comprehensive counseling and training.

Sen. Darrel Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), citing what they called an abysmal approach to mental health care, introduced SB 851 in February.

“The missing element in prison reform is improved mental health treatment,” Steinberg says. “California has the highest recidivism rate in the country. We have to address the psychological issues that might have gotten inmates there in the first place.”

The California Mental Health Association estimates that 20 percent to 25 percent of inmates suffer from mental health problems. Government studies estimate 45 percent of mentally ill parolees receive little or no mental health services, which can result in recidivism.

Sponsored by the California Council of Community Mental Health Agencies, SB 851 will apply the “System of Care Approach” to seriously mental ill offenders, which provides a combination of services, agencies and resources. It’s designed to prepare mentally ill offenders as they move from incarceration to parole by providing counseling, mediation, vocational training, and independent living guidance.

“We know that if we use resources such as mental health treatment and proper medication, and address substance abuse and vocational rehabilitation as an investment, it will result in dramatic reductions in hospitalization and incarceration,” Steinberg says.

Health care representatives say if California is going to build more beds and spend more money to reduce overcrowding, it must also support a rehabilitation strategy. This includes confronting mental health conditions, which, if left untreated, could lead to more crime.