Help, Not Handcuffs
We are on a mission to permanently disrupt the criminalization of people experiencing a mental health crisis. Far too many Allen County residents have faced the prospect of being placed in handcuffs — when what they really need is a comprehensive approach to address their mental health issues. Change will require advocacy, education, increased awareness of the issue and your support. Join us by volunteering your time or donating to our campaign!
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 44% of people held in local jails have a history of mental illness and 70% of youth held in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health condition. Also, 45% of people with a history of mental illness incarcerated in local jails don’t get help for their illness. — WANE 2022
ABOUT US
“Help Not Handcuffs" is a group of locals in Allen County, Indiana, who advocate for making incarcerated people's needs a higher priority when evaluating interventions following a criminal arrest. "Help Not Handcuffs" sought available data to better understand incarcerated people's needs and to advocate for change in the criminal justice system from a data-informed and data-grounded standpoint. As the group's name implies, the group prefers the criminal justice system to provide aid over harsh penalties when the circumstances of people who are imprisoned necessitate alternatives to punitive measures. Help Not Handcuffs additionally supports the allocation of resources towards preemptive programs aimed at preventing arrests from occurring in the first place.
Are you in?
Perhaps you’re a neighbor, friend, or family member of someone who has experienced a mental health crisis. Or maybe you’re a Fort Wayne resident who wants everyone in your community to be treated with dignity — no matter their journey in life. At Faith in Indiana in Allen County, we’re working diligently to advance our “Help, Not Handcuffs” campaign. And we need your support. Join us in our efforts to ensure that our community is at the forefront of national efforts to change the way law enforcement and other government officials respond to those in a mental health crisis.