Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootsy
This is a disgrace all around, first off the misinformation by the media falsely reporting he was an undiagnosed schizophrenic, that's what most people believe through reports while the fact is he was diagnosed in 2005 , fled the hospital and refused his meds. It was known after the original trial. Here's an the article from 2009 :
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...ticle20441432/
This fact alone should ensure he is always monitored for the rest of his life. It's insane to me that a doctor can push for his unconditional release when he has a proven past of going off his meds, skipping town then ended up killing a person in one of the most gruesome acts in Canadian history. It's even more insane a court allowed this.
Lastly the most concerning thing to me is the poor mental health system, as the article alludes to their decisions and regulations are a direct cause of the situation so excuse me if I have concerns trusting them in making the "right" call this time.
I personally believe he should be keep in a mental center for the rest of his life. With that said I do realize my tolerance for horrific violent acts isn't as high as a lot of people, but at the very least his monitored visits to make sure he's on his meds and continuing the psychiatric treatment should always be mandatory.
I don't know how anyone could think this is a good idea. |
His absolute discharge is a legal requirement after the review board has found that he no longer poses a threat, we simply can't keep people locked up who don't belong there.
If it gives you any confidence, the recidivism rate for those who are found NCR and later released after treatment is much lower than those who go through the traditional legal system. He has received significant treatment over the last 8 years, much more than a hospital would have given him on a 14 day hold. I'd be willing to bet that instead of just being stuck in a bed and pills tossed his way, he's learned why he needs them and various strategies for living, not just medication.
I think the biggest hurdle that the mental health system faces is getting people the help they need. Those who are facing a mental illness quite possibly don't realize they need help and since it is so stigmatized, people simply are not likely to seek out that help if they realize they need it. This doesn't just apply to those with schizophrenia, but other forms of mental illness as well. Having a strong external support system of people who are willing to intervene is probably one of the most important parts of a successful treatment regimen. Even after treatment, there is still a strong stigma attached to admitting to having been treated for a mental illness (at least in my opinion).