Question: I believe mental health issues can have a major impact on whether reentry programs are successful. Reentry programs are supposed to help people adjust after leaving jail or prison, but that can be difficult when someone is dealing with an untreated mental health condition. Help with housing, employment, or supervision may not be enough if the person is not mentally stable or does not have access to counseling, medication, or other support. As a parent, I also look at this issue from a personal point of view. God forbid one of my children or another family member was ever in that situation, I would still want them to receive help. I would want them to be held accountable for their actions, but I would not want their mental health needs ignored. Providing treatment does not excuse a crime or take away from what a victim experienced. It gives the person a better chance to improve and return to society in a safer condition. The prison environment can also make mental health problems worse. Andrade (2017) explains that mental health units can be a better option than placing people with serious mental illness in isolation. Treatment, structure, and support can improve behavior and reduce safety concerns. This shows that mental health care should begin while a person is still incarcerated and continue after release. Need Assignment Help?