Unlock the Handcuffs: Mental Illness in the Justice System

8170 Hague Road,Indianapolis IN 46256

02 May, 2023

Description

Unlock the Handcuffs: Mental Illness in the Justice System. Do you know where you would seek help for a mentally ill person? Nearly a quarter of the people killed by the police have confirmed signs of mental illness. We have heard the stories in the news, around the country. Just over a year ago, here, in Indianapolis, Herman Whitfield, III, a musical child prodigy and extraordinary adult talent was killed by police, in his own home. His parents had called for an ambulance to care for their son, who was during a mental health crisis. Such encounters with police aren't atypical for people with mental illness. Each year 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are admitted to US jails. At Unlock the Handcuffs: Mental Illness in the Justice System we will hear from people with mental health disorders and their family members who have become entangled with the criminal justice system. We will explore how care and justice has evolved so there are three times more seriously ill persons in jails and prisons than in hospitals. Unlock the Handcuffs is a place we can talk about why this happened, who is affected, and what might help all of us feel safe in seeking care for those we love. Have you ever wondered whether you should call the assistance in a crisis? Wellspring Café is a place for warm and meaningful conversations on topics that matter to our lives. Wellspring Café is a ministry of Faith Presbyterian Church, meeting the first Monday and Tuesday of each month, with the same topic. One version is on Zoom and one version is in person.