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The media and politicians talk a lot about criminal activity but don’t talk about the mental health aspect. I think to reduce crime rates and enhance public safety, communities should start by offering mental health services for at-risk youth. For minor offenses, instead of probation or incarceration, offering therapy can deter youth from future criminal activity.
The connection between untreated trauma and criminal activity is undeniable. Addressing the mental health challenges early is the most cost-effective and most empathetic crime prevention strategy. Instead of traditional punishment, I think offering mental health support can address the root causes of criminal behavior. An article published by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research said, “Prior research suggests that improving access to behavioral health services might be an effective way to reduce criminal involvement.”
Helping at-risk youth with their mental health instead of hard punishment is necessary. In an article titled “System Reforms to Reduce Youth Incarceration: Why We Must Explore Every Option Before Removing Any Young Person from Home,” the author wrote: “Compelling research finds that incarceration is not necessary or effective in the vast majority of delinquency cases. Rather … removing young people from their homes, schools, and communities, and placing them in institutions, is most often counterproductive.”
Cheyenne Hutchins
Bath
