Providing Mental Health Services for Prisoners in New York

Spitzer plan aids mentally ill inmates: Governor proposes adding $60 million for improved, more humane services

ALBANY -- In response to long-standing calls for better treatment for the most vulnerable segment of the prison population, Gov. Eliot Spitzer proposes to increase state spending by $60 million over three years on services for mentally ill inmates. The proposal was praised by advocacy groups that say it signals a heightened commitment toward humane care of prisoners with severe psychiatric needs.