The number of people with mental illness in California’s prisons and jails has almost doubled in the last 15 years. In this hour, we’ll look at what happens to those with mental illness when they land in the criminal justice system. We’ll also discuss San Francisco’s implementation of Laura’s Law, which allows courts to force the mentally ill into treatment. Some advocates view this as a way to get people with severe mentally illness treatment before they commit crimes.
When the Mentally Ill Get Entangled in the Criminal Justice System
(Julie Small/KQED)
Guests:
Teresa Pasquini, advocate for those with serious mental illness
Eduardo Vega, executive director, Mental Health Association of San Francisco
Stephen Manley, judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court
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