Letter to the Editor
Windsor Star
August 26, 2003
Jail no place for the ill: Binge eater didn't receive
treatment he badly needs
Re: Binge Eater Behind Bars.
It is absolutely unacceptable that Jonathan Algudady would be put in jail for
behaviour that obviously relates to his diagnosed illness rather than any
criminal or malicious intent.
To leave him in jail without the care he requires meant that he would probably continue to be at risk. Continued incarceration accomplishes nothing but separating him from his support system at a time that he needs it most.
More appropriately, the Crown attorney and other members of the justice system should be using all resources to ensure that Jonathan is properly diverted into a treatment program as soon as possible. It is not enough that everyone talks about how tragic this situation is; it is time for appropriate action.
If Jonathan cannot receive the specialized care and treatment that he requires in Ontario, then he should receive the funding necessary to get the help that he so desperately needs.
Perhaps if those who have the authority to approve such care are unresponsive, then it may be time for the Ombudsman to get involved and review the circumstances of this case. Jonathan and his family should not have to accept anything less than appropriate care and treatment for his individualized and specialized needs. To ask them to accept less would be unfair and inhumane.
As a patients' rights organization, we were alarmed by the criminalization of people who happen to have an illness. Many times it is clear to our clients that they would benefit from treatment instead of incarceration but they are simply unable to access the services and supports that they require.
Jail is not an appropriate place to receive care and treatment nor are the staff in those institutions equipped to deal with such a rare disease. They simply cannot provide the care, support and specialized care that he requires.
David Simpson
Program Manager
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
