Criminal Mental Health

The purpose of this thesis is to assess and address the prevalence of mental health issues among incarcerated individuals in America. There are multiple internal and external contributing factors to the disproportionately high numbers of mentally ill inmates. Comparing the United States prison system with other countries such as Norway allows for possible paths to improving the mental health crisis that we are currently experiencing. This thesis looks at the principles and practices used in Norway\u27s prisons as well as how they affect inmate\u27s mental health. By comparing Norway\u27s prison policies and design, this thesis will suggest changes in staff training, prison architecture and design, treatment of inmates, and financial spending in America\u27s system. These changes will benefit overall inmate mental health and long-term spending