Entangled: How People With Serious Mental Illness Get Caught in Misdemeanor Systems

People with serious mental illness (SMI) are prominently and unjustly
overrepresented in the criminal legal system. More than one-third-and in some
studies more than two-thirds-of those with SMI have a lifetime history of
arrest. For the first time, a single volume takes a deep dive into the common
behaviors, contexts, and decisions that lead to misdemeanor
arrests.

Contributors representing the fields of anthropology, social
work, criminology, and psychiatry draw on data from a mixed-method, multisite
study (Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia) to examine how people with
SMI become entangled in the criminal legal system and how failure to resolve
underlying issues-such as underfunded social and mental health service systems
and the shortage of affordable housing-plays a role.

Divided into three
distinct sections, Entangled: How People With Serious Mental Illness Get Caught
in Misdemeanor Systems

Provides a historical perspective on how social,
mental health, and criminal legal system policies have imperiled individuals
with SMI and demonstrates the contexts that shape decision-making across
misdemeanor systems. Looks at specific misdemeanor charges that have
traditionally been common for people with SMI, including criminal trespass,
shoplifting, obstruction and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor assault and
battery, with insight into the factors behind such charges. Reviews necessary
reforms and policy advances in the criminal legal system and the mental health
crisis response system and advocates for a multisystem approach that emphasizes
racial equity.

In each chapter, data-based clinical vignettes illustrate
scenarios in which people with SMI have been arrested on misdemeanor charges,
heightening the clinical relevance of the information. Key points summarize the
main takeaways in every chapter and help readers retain important
concepts.

Offering a thorough and nuanced description of current
challenges as well as a vision of a better future, Entangled encourages readers
to be part of crafting solutions to help individuals with mental
illness-especially serious mental illness-embrace a life of recovery, hope,
empowerment, and integration.