April 4, 2019
Categories: JMHCP
By Val Van Brocklin
THE PROBLEM
Reach Out’s goal is to reduce involvement in the justice system by people with mental health issues and substance use disorders.
I asked Sheriff Mascher what sparked his interest in such a challenge.
“My community,” he replied.
About five years ago, he was working on a voter issue to extend a jail sales tax. Everywhere he went he kept hearing citizens – families of people with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder – say they called the police for help and their family member ended up in the justice system, usually for a minor offense like disorderly conduct or trespassing.
Source: JusticeCenter