Mental Health Behind Bars
Too often, people living with a mental health condition don’t get the help they need and end up in jail. There, they go from being potential psychiatric patients to being inmates — expected to comply with orders or face consequences, even when their conditions make this difficult or impossible. WITF is exposing conditions at jails and prisons in Pennsylvania, showing how people who need help are often hurt instead. And WITF is looking for solutions — highlighting areas where law enforcement and mental health professionals are trying humane alternatives.
Additional coverage:
Featured Stories
Jails fail to accommodate people with mental illness. In some cases, it’s a civil rights violation.
Conditions in some corrections facilities are a a moral failure that also costs taxpayers millions.
Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh in on need for reforms after investigation into county jails and mental health
Prison oversight boards and funding for jails are among the ideas presented.
In Pa. county jails, people with mental illness are routinely met with pepper spray and stun guns
A WITF investigation finds that Pennsylvania county corrections officers use physical force on people who may be unable to comply with orders due to a mental health condition.
Pennsylvania mental health advocates hopeful for funding increase
Recent Stories
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Dylan Caleho
Mental health care workers face too many needs, not enough money on the front line of Pa.’s self-made crisis
Mental health providers often know what works for the people they serve. But there’s not enough resources to help everyone in need.By Danielle Ohl/Spotlight PA -
Nate Smallwood
System for determining if someone is mentally fit for trial in Pa. is in crisis, new report finds
The study found the mentally ill are swept up by low-level criminal offenses and kept in state hospitals too long, confirming a past Spotlight PA report.By Danielle Ohl/Spotlight PA -
Nate Smallwood
WATCH: How Pennsylvania’s mental health system failed those who needed it most
By Danielle Ohl/Spotlight PA -
Commonwealth Media Services
Pa. Attorney General Sunday launches expanded mental health diversion program
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Submitted
PA Local Heroes: This Cumberland County leader helps people adjust to life after prison
Cumberland County advocate Michael Eskridge helps formerly incarcerated Pennsylvanians regain their footing.By Ann Rejrat/Spotlight PA -
Commonwealth Media Services
Attorney General Dave Sunday weighs new mental health diversion program for Pa. counties
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Psychiatrist Explains Why Casual Use of Mental Health Terms Can Be Harmful
By Asia Tabb
