Lawmakers Seek Involuntary Psych Commitment For Ex-Cons
By Jessica Alaimo听听 Capital 黑料正能量听 June 13, 2014
听
ALBANY鈥擳wo lawmakers have introduced a last-minute bill that would give parole officers the authority to start involuntary commitment proceedings for ex-cons with mental illnesses. The bill would also provide mental health discharge planning when inmates with mental illnesses are released from prison.
听
Assemblyman Daniel O鈥橠onnell and Senator Cathy Young introduced the bill from prison and was accused of stabbing two children in Brooklyn less than two weeks later.
听
“We cannot let this happen again. This recent tragedy is only the freshest example of the dire consequences that result when both our mental health and criminal justice systems fail us. I firmly believe in restorative justice, but when a person is mentally ill and dangerous, the only viable option may be institutionalization, and local officers must be empowered to choose that option when necessary,鈥 O鈥橠onnell said in a release.
听
Albany lawmakers have just four session days left. They will convene Monday through Thursday of next week.