Which issue has contributed to the increase of mentally ill individuals in jails?

The deinstitutionalization movement and the closing of psychiatric hospitals have significantly contributed to the increase of mentally ill individuals in jails. This movement, which began in the mid-20th century, aimed to shift the focus of mental health care from large institutions to community-based treatment. While the intent was to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness, it often resulted in a lack of adequate community resources and support. Many individuals who were once cared for in psychiatric facilities found themselves without the necessary care and support, leading to increased occurrences of mental illness in public spaces, including jails.

As a result, when these individuals come into contact with law enforcement, they are more likely to be incarcerated rather than receiving the appropriate mental health treatment. This escalation illustrates a systemic issue where the closure of psychiatric institutions, without fundamental community support replacements, has led to a higher population of mentally ill individuals within the penal system.