Thursday, January 27, 2005

Mental health groups ask to aid jail reform (New Jersey) Courier-Post story - "Mental health advocates say they're willing to help improve conditions at the Camden County Jail, but no one has asked them. 'We as a community have to come together and correct the overcrowded situation in the jail, as well as the high number of people with mental illnesses who are incarcerated there,' said Mary Lynne Reynolds, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey. Chuck Steinmetz, coordinator for the county's mental health board, said his group "stands ready" to help. But no one has called. Retired Superior Court Judge John Mariano is heading a committee studying improvements at the jail. A subcommittee is considering improvements to mental health treatment for prisoners..."