The stigma attached to mental illnesses inhibits support for the full integration of people with mental health needs into communities. Policymakers should seek to counter the negative effects of stigma by dispelling misinformation about mental illnesses, developing a common message across advocacy groups, and making the public aware of the experience and costs of untreated mental illnesses. Increased public awareness of the inefficiency stemming from the current allocation of resources will help to create the political will necessary to direct resources toward development and maintenance of comprehensive, high-quality public mental health programs. (See Policy Statement 7, Educating the Public About the Re-Entry Population for more on strategies to promote innovative and effective systems change by increasing public awareness of its realities and benefits.)

Without sufficient support, individual men and women with mental illnesses may fail to make contact with treatment providers, and engage in behaviors that puts them at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. To prevent such isolation, a variety of peer support models have been developed in different jurisdictions. Support provided by a peer group made up of men or women who have shared experiences can have a powerful and long-term positive effect on consumers, and this empowerment can overcome many of the barriers created by stigmatizing public attitudes.