Diversion is far less expensive, more humane, more effective and safer than simply sending people with mental issues to prison. Arkansas has thousands of prisoners with mental health issues. Sending these people to treatment allows the system to focus resources on those who are true threats to society.

The report estimates the savings at close to $140 million each year, with the added benefit of reduced recidivism, reduced criminal behavior in the future, and law enforcement officials capable of focusing attention on true threats to public safety.   

The report projects the costs of one year’s services at a crisis center at $10 million, compared to $150 million for incarceration. In addition, DHS estimates that Medicaid would pay between $2 to $3 Million during the next several years, leaving a net cost to Arkansas of about $7.5 Million annually to provide better, more appropriate services to people with mental illness.

The report bases its conclusions on analysis of costs and outcomes of similar programs in San Antonio, TX; Oklahoma; Georgia; New Mexico; and Oregon. It applies the savings in these states to the current costs of adjudication, incarceration, and treatment for Arkansas’ mentally ill. The report acknowledges that it is only an initial analysis of potential savings and that a deeper study is warranted. 

It is clear that failing to meet the needs of people with mental illness in an appropriate setting will result in larger drains on the state budget, less humane outcomes for people with mental illness and less public safety. 

The deaf need to endure the same education as others with the ability to hear to prosper in society. The Education of the Deaf Movement is aimed to develop those who are deaf in sign language and in common studies. The Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons, now known as the American School for the Deaf was the first school of the deaf, so, in turn, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc were the leaders of the cause. This is necessary because the deaf will also contribute nonetheless to our society. Others around the country can help by volunteering at a school for the deaf or by tutoring sign language for those who are deaf.

Education of the Blind

The blind need to endure the same education as others with the ability to see to be able to prosper in society. The Education of the Blind Movement is aimed to develop those who are blind in the language of Braille and in common studies. The New England Asylum for the Blind, now known as the Perkins School was the first school for the blind, so, in turn, the leader of this movement is known to be Samuel Gridley Howe as the founder of this school. This is necessary because the blind will also contribute nonetheless to our society. Others around the country can help by volunteering at a school for the blind or by tutoring Braille for those who are blind as the American Association of Workers for the Blind (AAWB) has.

Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

It's a cool place and they say it gets colder
You're bundled up now, wait till you get older
But the meteor men beg to differ
Judging by the hole in the satellite picture
The ice we skate is getting pretty thin
The water's getting warm so you might as well swim
My world's on fire, how about yours?
That's the way I like it and I never get bored

Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
All that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show, on get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars

Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas?
I need to get myself away from this place
I said yep what a concept
I could use a little fuel myself
And we could all use a little change

Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go (go!)
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold