Throwing mentally ill people in jail costs the state more money than treating them.
During Community Mapping, it is apparent that there is a huge void for transitional housing for veterans with PTSD and people emerging from the criminal justice system. Where can these individuals and groups go? Does this group of our society deserve the same treatment as all others once they emerge from their burdens? The answer is yes, according to the constitution. However, society says no, there are still barriers, it is not a clean slate.
And why is it important for society to reintegrate these people? It is important because our constitution states there is justice for all, not just a selected few.
In the Health and Human Services commission Feb.2017, there is a report on Appendix C: healthcare for the Homeless C-1 and Appendix P: Estimated Harris County Jail Detention Costs P-1.
Based on data and analysis provided by Harris County through a contract with UTHSCH, it appears that that the first-year enrollment:
Jail bookings and charges decreased by 0.8 bookings per person per year.
Felonies and misdemeanors decreased by 0.1 and 0.6 charges per person per year.
Jail decreased by 18.9 days per person, equally a potential savings of $571,564 to Harris County.
So, by letting mental health patients be transferred to rehab or private mental health facilities, money for the state, the county and the federal government could save a lot of money. Jails are not equipped to house mental health patients. This is all part of restorative justice.
