Governor Hochul Takes a Stand for Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System: Expanding Investments and Programs to Address a Critical Issue

Governor Kathy Hochul recently visited Burlington to discuss the critical issue of mental health in the criminal justice system. During her visit, she emphasized the close relationship between mental health and public safety, highlighting the fact that one-third of individuals in the criminal justice system are 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, she announced significant investments and expansions in the budget, including $33 million specifically targeted towards mental health in the criminal justice system.

In addition to this investment, Hochul highlighted increased funding for mental health facilities and teams 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.