Mentally Ill in Jail, Part 2 — State and Local Efforts to Address the Issue
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13 responses to “Mentally Ill in Jail, Part 2 — State and Local Efforts to Address the Issue”
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I’m most impressed so far in this series by how complex the issues are and the lack of simple answers. I am encouraged to see that DOC is experimenting with solutions by means of pilot projects. Given the lack of obvious remedies, tinkering with the system through experimentation seems far preferable to enacting heroic measures that could go stupendously wrong.
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You are right; the issue is complex and there are no simple answers. Just a clarification: DOC is not involved with this issue; DCJS is the one overseeing the pilot projects. DOC has its own issues with the mentally ill in prison.
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You’re doing an excellent job and I thank you and I have a question for you or anyone else since you did say “State and Local” efforts.
The question is this an issue where the state should set policy and standards that apply the same to all localities or is this an issue where each locality or region would decide how they would handle it in local and regional jails?
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The state has not explicitly grappled with the idea of whether there should be a statewide policy applicable to all localities, with the exception of the initial screening of persons brought into jails. Therefore, de facto, we have a decentralized approach in which each locality or region decides how it will handle these offenders in accordance with broad state standards.
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While I love the idea of diversion, Virginia’s CSBs are not up to the task. Too often their “support” consists of referrals to other backlogged organizations. In my view, the state must invest in affordable long-term housing with on-site addiction and mental health support, regular home-based welfare checks, and routine after-hours counseling. We cannot coordinate away serious mental health problems. We need to meet people where they are and provide treatment, potentially for a long time.
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To play the devils advocate. What is the least expensive way to handle this to keep costs low to taxpayers?
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I will attempt to address the cost issue later.
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I am not knowledgeable enough to suggest/price a comprehensive mental health care plan. But I’ll bet we could save overall tax payer money. Prisons cost upwards of 20k/person/ year. Weekly counseling at market rates might run $7200. I like the second number better. Thanks for responding.
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Offenders in jail and offenders in prison are two different populations. I have focused on those in jail. For the most part, they have been arrested and jailed for minor offenses and either are awaiting trial or are serving their sentence. Those sentenced to jail will be there for less than a year. Many of the mentally ill cycle in and out of jail.
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That would require a complete cost analyses. Something for which the penny pinchers will refuse to pay. These are the same people who then complain about the cost of any changes.
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There are many repeat offenders with mental health problems that simply reject help when it is offered. Some of these folks don’t want help from the state or a community institution. The needed reforms must address this issue.
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You are correct. That is one element that makes this a complex issue.
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Kinda like wearing a mask, or getting a vaccination, eh?
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