Criminal Justice and Mental Health: An Overview for Students

This textbook provides an overview of the overlap between the criminal justice system and mental health for students of criminology and criminal justice. It covers the roles of each part of the system,the need for mental healthcare for professionals,and new chapters on stigma,disaster,and crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive textbook offers a thorough exploration of the intricate interplay between the criminal justice system and mental health, catering to students pursuing studies in criminology and criminal justice. It serves as an accessible introduction to recognizing the fundamental signs and symptoms of major mental illnesses, as well as the magnitude of individuals with mental illnesses who are involved in the justice system. In the United States, law enforcement and the criminal justice system play a pivotal role in the initial contact with individuals experiencing mental illness or distress. Unfortunately, individuals with untreated mental illnesses often face heightened risks of engaging in criminal behavior, owing to a scarcity of mental health facilities, resources, and pervasive misconceptions about this population. As a result, many individuals with mental illnesses find themselves ensnared in the corrections system, where they may lack access to the necessary treatment and support. This timely work delves into the various roles of each component of the criminal justice system in interacting with mentally ill individuals. It encompasses law enforcement officers, first responders, social services professionals, public health experts, sentencing and corrections officials, as well as those involved in release and re-entry processes. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of mental healthcare for criminal justice professionals, who endure significant stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges.

In addition to its comprehensive coverage, this textbook incorporates new chapters on the topic of stigma, mental illness during and after disaster and crisis, and ongoing updates and supplementary materials. These enhancements make it an invaluable resource for students of criminology and criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and public health. Moreover, it holds relevance for policy-makers and practitioners actively engaged in the field, as they navigate the complexities of interacting with and addressing the needs of mentally ill individuals. By providing a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of this critical intersection, this textbook contributes to a more informed and compassionate approach to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with mental illnesses within the criminal justice system.

Weight: 565g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031153372
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2022