This eBook examines the complexities of correctional mental health through lived experiences, from the trauma of confinement triggering PTSD and depression to the systemic barriers former inmates face in seeking care after release.

Throughout these pages, we draw upon extensive research to highlight critical findings on "ban the box" initiatives, the impact of parent incarceration on children's development, and the vital role of community-based mental health programs in breaking recidivism cycles. We supplement our discussions with rich case studies that illustrate racial disparities in sentencing, successful restorative justice programs, and the rebuilding of family bonds through enhanced visitation rights.