Prison and confinement were the topics of the bill regarding sex offenders and treatment in Monday's Plain Dealer. I found myself torn as I read the article "Bill decried that confines sex offenders indefinitely."
From a layperson's viewpoint, I understand the necessity of ensuring that citizens feel safe when sexual offenders are reintegrated into society. However, we should consider how the bill would impede the rights of the group in question.
The bill, if passed, would allow for sexual offenders to be committed for treatment after they have served their sentences. The article focused mainly on the financial aspect of creating and maintaining these inpatient treatment centers instead of exploring alternative options.
Having worked with vulnerable populations, I agree with the conclusion that committing offenders who have served their time to a strict mental health facility is similar to keeping them in prison. Understanding that sexual offenses are severe crimes and offenders have significant mental health issues, the government should focus on improving mental health services in prison and look into creating less-restrictive treatment while these offenders are there and making a safe environment to continue their management once their sentences are over.
Instead of secluding and reinstitutionalizing offenders, maybe new policies should focus on preventative treatment.Mary Kruszka, Cleveland