Group to study alternatives to incarceration

SPRINGFIELD – A newly formed Springfield commission will soon meet for the first time to begin studying potential alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with mental illness, substance abuse disorders and intellectual disabilities. State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) recently was named as a member of the nine-person commission.

“For too long, we have sidestepped some critical public health issues and how they relate to our criminal justice system,” Morrison said. “I am excited to begin working with my colleagues on crafting long-term, responsible solutions that acknowledge the challenges facing our prisons and courts.”

The bipartisan group, titled the Behavioral Health Prison Diversion Commission, includes legislators from both the Senate and the House, the secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections and a designee from the Office of the Governor. After studying the issue, the commission will propose changes to Illinois law that effectively deal with the mental and physical needs of certain populations facing incarceration.

The Treatment Advocacy Center, a national nonprofit organization, estimates approximately 20 percent of inmates in U.S. jails suffer from a serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. In addition, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse estimates 65 percent of U.S. inmates suffer from substance abuse addiction.

Members of the commission will not be financially compensated for their work.