The author makes an excellent case for needed reform of prisons and mental health care therein. Through a series of interviews, and knowledge derived from being an expert witness in a variety of lawsuits involving prisoners throughout the United States, Kupers has compiled a compelling story.

I am not sure who this book is aimed at. If the author’s aim is to promote mental health/prison reform he might have a hard sell to the conservative element of the political power structure. Getting money and care for prisoners is tough going anytime, but especially now when even those with health coverage have trouble getting proper care. On the other hand, advocates for prison reform will surely find enough evidence to convince them of the rightness of their positions.

If statistics are to be believed, the majority of prisoners are incarcerated for nonviolent crimes. Those prone to mental illness will only find their conditions exacerbated by the prison environment. I have viewed some of the incidents related here on various cable and broadcast channels and they truly are horrifying.

There is no doubt about the appalling conditions and lack of treatment visited on some prisoners. The main problem is finding sympathy and educating the public about the needs of the mentally ill in prison. Even in "normal" society mental health care receives short shrift. Unless there is a major change in the value system of this country, I feel conditions such as those described will unfortunately continue. The public doesn’t care if literally billions are poured down the drain of the defense industries and corporate welfare, but there is a hue and cry when the legitimately mentally ill demand the minimum standard of care.

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