People with mental illness who commit crime are trapped in a one-size-fits-all criminal justice system. Prison doesn’t address the underlying illness. A lack of support resources means people with mental illness who have been released from prison are very likely to reoffend. It is expensive, unfair, and does our communities no good.

Thankfully, local people of faith are exploring establishing a mental health court in Scott County, Iowa. Such a court–like the Scott County drug court–could demonstrate both accountability and compassion and help restore people to wholeness and productivity.

Quad Cities Interfaith invites you to a community meeting to advance this cause on Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities at 3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, Iowa.

This effort is worthy and timely. It expresses faith values, like those expressed in “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries,” a 2013 ELCA Social Statement. This statement is a teaching tool, a guide for public advocacy, and an invitation to act for change.

The video below introduces the statement. It’s the first in a series of five. -PC