OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Shaheen Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Address Mental Health Crisis in Criminal Justice System

Statement

Date: Dec. 11, 2015
Location: Washington, D.C
Issues: Health and Health Care

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today applauded Senate passage of legislation she co-sponsored that would provide mental health services for people in the criminal justice system. The Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act, authored by Senator Al Franken (D-MN), would help reduce recidivism rates for offenders by providing more resources to law enforcement, the courts and correctional facilities to treat mental health issues.

"There's a growing consensus that prison sentences are not the answer for many individuals who are in our criminal justice system, especially those dealing with substance abuse issues," said Shaheen. "This legislation puts an appropriate emphasis on treatment to help those with mental health conditions get their lives back on-track. In New Hampshire, we know that we can't arrest our way out of the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic and I'm pleased that the Senate is taking action to support proven programs that help our communities deal with this crisis."


Source
arrow_upward