Statement of Chairman Coble on S. 1194, the “Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003"

            The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated in 1999 that 16% of State prison inmates, 7% of Federal inmates, and 16% of those in local jails or on probation reported either a mental condition or an overnight stay in a mental hospital. According to BJS, white inmates were more likely than blacks or Hispanics to report a mental illness and offender mental illness was highest for those between the ages of 45 and 54.

            According to this study and others, homelessness and unemployment are more prevalent among the mentally ill. Additional statistics show that 6 in 10 mentally ill state inmates were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the offense and a third of all mentally ill offenders were alcohol dependent. BJS also found that 6 in 10 of the mentally ill received treatment while incarcerated.

            These statistics show the importance of mental health treatment as well as additional assistance for the mentally ill nonviolent offenders who end up in the criminal justice system. The statistics also show the importance of treating not only the drug and alcohol abuse issues but also the underlying mental illness.

            This hearing will examine the prevalence of mental illness in the criminal justice system and explore methods of addressing this problem. Currently, the Department of Justice administers a mental health court grant program in some states. The legislation, which we will review today, S. 1194, the “Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2003", would create a grant program to encourage more states to address this issue.

            I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today to shed some light on this important issue. I recognize the Ranking Member from Virginia, Representative Bobby Scott, for an opening statement.