Governor Kathy Hochul recently visited Burlington to discuss the importance of addressing mental health needs in the criminal justice system. She emphasized how mental health and public safety are closely related, with one-third of individuals in the criminal justice system facing untreated mental health issues. Hochul pointed out that prisons are not equipped to provide effective treatment for these individuals, leading to a cycle of untreated mental illness and recidivism.
To address this issue, Hochul announced investments and expansions in the budget, including $33 million to specifically target mental health in the criminal justice system. She also highlighted 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 reduce recidivism rates and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with mental illness. These investments underscore the importance of addressing mental health needs to create a more effective and humane criminal justice system.