Help Rafael Get the Treatment He Needs to Survive
Rafael is a beloved brother, son, and friend who has always had a passion for music, health, nutrition, and caring for animals. He cherishes his family deeply and has brought joy to those around him. About ten years ago, Rafael survived being shot twice—once in his back and once in his hand—a traumatic event that changed the course of his life. Since then, his schizophrenia has developed and gotten worse, and he has been in and out of mental health facilities as our family has tried to get him the help he desperately needs.
Within the week of the crime being committed, our family called the police twice. The first time, Rafael was taken to crisis for a mental evaluation and released within five hours. The second call, he was arrested and released an hour later, even though the mandatory crisis hold is 24 hours. Despite our efforts, Rafael did not receive the care he needed, and he was involved in a tragic incident that has changed all of our lives. The victim of this crime did not deserve what happened, and it is heartbreaking to know that this could have been avoided if Rafael had received proper intervention.
Now, Rafael is facing a long prison sentence, and his public defender is pressuring him to accept a plea deal rather than fight for the treatment he needs. We are seeking a lawyer who specializes in mental health cases—someone who can advocate for Rafael to receive care in a mental health facility instead of being lost in the prison system. Without proper treatment, Rafael will not survive incarceration. We fear we won’t see my brother alive out of prison. Our family believes that better mental health laws are urgently needed to protect people like Rafael and prevent tragedies like this from happening to other families. With the right legal support, he has a chance to get the help he needs, and his case could raise awareness about the urgent need for better mental health resources. Your support can make a life-changing difference for Rafael and help shine a light on the importance of compassionate care for those living with severe mental illness.
Within the week of the crime being committed, our family called the police twice. The first time, Rafael was taken to crisis for a mental evaluation and released within five hours. The second call, he was arrested and released an hour later, even though the mandatory crisis hold is 24 hours. Despite our efforts, Rafael did not receive the care he needed, and he was involved in a tragic incident that has changed all of our lives. The victim of this crime did not deserve what happened, and it is heartbreaking to know that this could have been avoided if Rafael had received proper intervention.
Now, Rafael is facing a long prison sentence, and his public defender is pressuring him to accept a plea deal rather than fight for the treatment he needs. We are seeking a lawyer who specializes in mental health cases—someone who can advocate for Rafael to receive care in a mental health facility instead of being lost in the prison system. Without proper treatment, Rafael will not survive incarceration. We fear we won’t see my brother alive out of prison. Our family believes that better mental health laws are urgently needed to protect people like Rafael and prevent tragedies like this from happening to other families. With the right legal support, he has a chance to get the help he needs, and his case could raise awareness about the urgent need for better mental health resources. Your support can make a life-changing difference for Rafael and help shine a light on the importance of compassionate care for those living with severe mental illness.
Organizer
Citlally M
Organizer
Wilmington, DE