Governor Kathy Hochul recently paid a visit to Burlington to discuss the importance of addressing mental health needs in the criminal justice system. During her speech, she emphasized the close relationship between mental health and public safety, with one-third of individuals in the criminal justice system suffering from untreated mental health issues.
Hochul highlighted that prisons are not equipped to provide effective treatment for these individuals, which leads to a cycle of untreated mental illness and recidivism. To address this issue, she announced investments and expansions in the budget, including $33 million specifically aimed at mental health in the criminal justice system. She also spoke about increased funding for mental health facilities and teams, all aimed at breaking the cycle of untreated mental illness and incarceration.
By focusing on mental health in the criminal justice system, Hochul hopes to improve outcomes for individuals struggling with mental illness and reduce recidivism rates. These investments underscore the importance of addressing mental health needs to create a more effective and humane criminal justice system.