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Solitary confinement worsens mental illness. A Texas prison program meant to help can feel just as isolating.

Prisoners who volunteered for a mental health diversion program say promises of therapy and time out of their cells weren't fulfilled. And Texas prison officials aren't regularly tracking success rates — even as they ask lawmakers to fund an expansion of the program.

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“Why am I here?”

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“I’m always struggling to recruit”

Letters from incarcerated individuals to reporter Jolie McCollough on April 10, 2019.
Letters from incarcerated individuals to reporter Jolie McCollough on April 10, 2019.
Letters from incarcerated individuals to reporter Jolie McCollough on April 10, 2019.

A hope to expand services

Mark W. Michael men's prison located in unincorporated Anderson County.

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Criminal justice State government Mental health Texas Department Of Criminal Justice Texas Legislature