NCJ Number
113773
Date Published
1988
Length
123 pages
Annotation
The special needs of mentally ill/mentally retarded (MI/MR) offenders often are overlooked by State and local criminal justice agencies.
Abstract
There currently exists in Illinois a population of MI/MR offenders who frequently and repeatedly come in contact with the criminal justice system. Most jails and lockups in the State are not equipped to address the special needs of this population. Recidivism among MI/MR offenders could be significantly reduced through their systematic identification and diversion to appropriate rehabilitative or habilitative programs. Careful monitoring of these individuals would provide valuable data on the actual number of MI/MR offenders in Illinois. Programs that make support services more accessible would protect MI/MR persons from inappropriate incarceration, be more humane, and contribute to the public safety. An examination of the entire criminal process from arrest through post-incarceration reveals various areas for improvement. A significant number of these offenders could be identified and diverted when they come to the attention of police and jails. This can contribute to their expeditious diagnosis and referral out of the criminal justice system. The court system could be more active in developing and utilizing community-based alternatives to incarceration, and probation could monitor compliance with court orders, linking offenders with evaluation and treatment services and coordinating activities with evaluation and treatment services and coordinating activities with community service providers. For corrections the focus should be on treatment and post-release care. Education of criminal justice personnel also is needed. Survey instruments are appended. 16 references.