Ending Restrictive Housing in Prisons for People With Mental Disorders

A recent federal investigation of prisons in Massachusetts has presented findings on the criminal legal system's continued failure to provide humane care for incarcerated individuals with mental disorders. The findings show that people in mental health crisis are placed in restrictive housing, where they lack monitoring and mental health resources-a practice that has led to frequent instances of self-harm and suicide. Since the investigation, Massachusetts has vowed to stop its use of restrictive housing. Skepticism remains about whether the state's decision will result in meaningful change in carceral mental health practices. This column explores the investigation's process, findings, and implications.