The mentally ill in the criminal justice system are an undeserved and neglected population. Responsibility for caring for this group is not a one-system responsibility. The criminal justice system must work hand in hand with mental health and health care providers to integrate services and to develop strategies for change. Community-wide task forces and planning groups are a step in the right direction. No one system or plan is the correct one.
Communities have individual needs.
Broward County took the direction to establish leadership and control at the judicial level through a Mental Health Court. Many communities have chosen to deal with the mentally ill offender through an already established community mental health system and have been successful.