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The challenges defendants with severe mental illness face

Some defendants can spend months in jail before they are deemed competent by a mental health professional to stand trial. If the defendant is not found to be competent, they are usually sent to a state psychiatric facility until they can meet the legal standard.

Farrah Anderson of Side Effects Public Media reports how this system is affecting one family.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2025 WBUR