ADVOCACY ALERT
The Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act of 2015
Before the holidays, we asked you to contact your House representatives to ask them to support second chances. Nearly 700 of you did, and that resulted in eight new co-sponsors signing on to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act! Now we need you to take action again.
Around the same time, the Senate passed a bill called the Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act of 2015. This bill ensures a comprehensive response to individuals with mental health issues who are facing the justice system. It includes increased support for veteran's treatment courts, reauthorization of mental health courts, more resources in jails and prisons, and innovative training for law enforcement.
To keep moving toward becoming law, the bill now needs to make it to the House floor for a vote. Will you contact your representative and ask him or her to urge House leadership to bring this bill to a vote?
Every year, an estimated two million individuals with serious mental health issues are booked into local jails. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that approximately 45 percent of people in federal prisons and 56 percent of people in state prisons display symptoms of a mental health condition. Adults with mental illness cycle through jails more often and stay longer than those without a mental illness. These men and women are made in the image of God, and each of their lives has value and dignity. They need your help getting the care and support their conditions demand.
Your House representative needs to hear from you today about just how important this bill is in helping to ensure that everyone involved in the criminal justice process is treated with respect.
Will you contact your representative, and ask him or her to urge House leadership to bring Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act up for a vote? It will only take you a minute or two using our easy advocacy tool.
Thank you for doing your part to advance justice that restores.
Blessings,
Craig DeRoche
Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Public Policy
Prison Fellowship
Join Prison Fellowship in advocating for justice that restores as we seek to recognize and advance the dignity and value of human life.
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