Mental Disorders in Prison

Mental Disorders in Prison

The United States gets its roots from the European heritage when it comes to the corrections system. However, we have made many changes to it since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 2012 there were still changes being made since many aspects of the correctional system still needed some tweaking and adjusting. When there is general chaos, social issues, and impending national deficits, changes will continuously occur.

The correction system has several different communities and classes of corrected individuals; race, gender, religion and mental statuses all have an impact on the social circle of the environmental aspect. The mentally challenged is the group that takes up the majority of personnel in the correction system (Schmalleger, Smykla). They require specialized treatment that is not used for dealing with your typical inmate. For example, some inmates suffer from psychological disorders that cause them to act out of control with their behavior unlike other inmates, which can be difficult for officers to handle (ACA, 2012).

Inmates with mental disorders need special care and medical attention. They do not need to be “babied” or “pampered”; however, they do require a different tact and approach when they’re being treated in a correctional facility. The goal of the system is to instill education and rehabilitation so that they can become a functional member of society once they return to normal civilian population (ACA, 2012).

For the transitioning individual, while incarcerated and during the transition, they should be part of programs to benefit their progress. Religious and faith programs can help to give a sense of being and purpose. Putting faith into the higher powers that be in order to find a direction may be the force required to help a transitional individual have the guidance to not commit crimes anymore, or even find closure in the things of the past. Not all people would be willing to...