How can I help a relative with mental illness who has been arrested?

Jail is no place for a person with serious mental illness (SMI) who has committed only a minor crime. However, with few courts that are especially set up to deal with those with SMI, people are often given short or not-so-short jail terms.

Let the justice system know that there is a caring and interested family involved to minimize the trauma of incarceration. In some jurisdictions it is permitted for the family to submit a letter to be read by the judge. Be sure to visit the person and to assist in their release. Avoid using the criminal justice system as a means of getting your relative treated. Inevitably this does not turn out well.