Psychiatric services and paying your debts
Many who are not a danger to others sit in prison for months while their debt increases, a reader writes. Credit: AP/Brynn Anderson
State should expand psychiatric services
Unfortunately, in the past few decades, New York State has tried to save money by downsizing state psychiatric hospitals. The result has been an uptick in senseless murders [“Paramedic stabbed to death,” News, Sept. 30].
These psychotic persons are not criminals and do not deserve to be jailed. They are in need of long-term treatment, careful follow-up, and support after discharge.
I am a retired New State Office of Mental Health psychologist. During my years as a state employee, the hospital staff provided compassionate and unparalleled treatment for the seriously and persistently mentally ill.
Regrettably, rather than continuing to provide this treatment, the state has downsized and closed several of the state psychiatric hospitals. Unfortunately, community hospitals are not designed to treat individuals who require long-term care.
Our legislators need to recognize that these horrific crimes are sometimes commited by mentally ill individuals who desperately need treatment, and they should look into expanding services in state psychiatric hospitals.
Joel Verstaendig, Plainview
You can't repay debts while in prison
"Time to reconsider incarceration policies" [Opinion, Sept. 30] did not mention the noncustodial parent late with payments who is, in effect, in a modern-day debtors' prison. A noncustodial parent could fall behind in support payments for many reasons. Not every noncustodial parent is trying to dodge an obligation. First, that person's driver's license is suspended and, if necessary to further punish the person, that parent is incarcerated.
These people are usually held in low-security prisons and, in many cases, are not violent. Many are not a danger to others, but there they sit in prison for months while the debt increases, and they can do little about it.
Why are these people not considered for home confinement? That would be an ideal situation. They would have to remain drug-free and could only travel to work. The court would also be able to monitor them and probably garnishee the wages, ensuring payment.
It's time to revisit this archaic policy.
Arlene Sceri, Selden
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