Stuck Behind Bars: How the Neglect for the Mental Illness Epidemic in U.S. Correctional Facilities Fuels Recidivism

Author: Alayna Bhatti

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Alexandra Moore

Easel: 23

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Correctional institutions are failing to fulfill their responsibility for creating an environment that minimizes the suffering that mentally ill inmates face due to their condition. Various studies show that current health services in U.S. prisons fall far below the standards of adequate care. The criminalization of mental illness since the 1990s has continued to violate the “cruel and unusual” clause of the Eighth Amendment along with various United Nations General Assembly resolutions. This research will prove that U.S. correctional facilities are not providing inmates with adequate services, preventing rehabilitation and increasing recidivism. Regardless of how severe a crime, incarcerated people are entitled to their human rights outlined by both the U.S. Government and the UN General Assembly. Inmates deserve for the U.S. criminal justice system to protect their rights and serve true justice.