Closing the barn door ...

Lots of bloggers have been posting raves for the recent Time Magazine article "Decriminalizing Mental Illness." It, like many other articles, is very supportive of CIT - but most all who praise this program seem to miss the fact that by the time someone with an untreated mental illness lands in front of even the most well-trained, compassionate CIT officer, they are in trouble - because they have already deteriorated to the point when law enforcement is involved.

Cheer for CIT if you must, it is certainly better than no CIT. But it is no replacement for earlier intervention - and real help from well-trained, compassionate mental health professionals.