My son has been waiting in jail for two months after a judge ordered his transfer to a mental health hospital. During this time, his mental state has severely deteriorated, and I am fearful for his life. Unfortunately, he is one of many who are suffering from the systemic neglect and lack of timely action affecting our loved ones. It is critical that we address this issue to prevent further suffering and to aid in their recovery.

Incarcerated individuals who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness are often left in limbo, waiting for much-needed treatment in overcrowded jail settings that are ill-equipped to address their mental health needs. While Federal and statutory laws protect these individuals against discrimination, enforcing these protections is insufficient, as the prolonged wait for hospitalization and treatment can lead to irreversible damage, like traumatic brain injury or even death.

According to a report by the Treatment Advocacy Center, nearly 20% of jail and prison inmates are estimated to have a serious mental illness. Jails are not suitable environments for mental health care, and prolonged stays without appropriate intervention only exacerbate their conditions. The law mandates prompt and adequate medical care, yet delays in transfers to mental health facilities remain widespread due to bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of resources. This is not only a violation of their rights but a tragic failing that must be urgently addressed.

We implore the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division to take definitive action. We call for the immediate prioritization of inpatient hospitalization for incarcerated individuals who are waiting for court-ordered mental health treatment. This includes increasing funding for mental health facilities, improving coordination between jails, courts, and medical institutions, and establishing a clear, rapid protocol for evaluating and transferring these detainees to appropriate care settings.

Sign this petition to help protect the lives and rights of our loved ones. We must work together to ensure timely and humane treatment for our most vulnerable citizens. Let our voices be heard, and let's drive change where it is most desperately needed. This petition has been initiated by individuals who are members and concerned parents who are dealing with loved ones with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Bi-polar Schizoaffective illness.  The petition does not save any political affiliation.