Date: 03/21/2014

Final
Consideration of Advisory Task Force Appointments

TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer the appointments of Walt Pesterfield, Kerry PASS



01:36 PM -- Consideration of Advisory Task Force Appointments

Kerry Pruett, who is the Mental Health Programs Administrator for the Department of Corrections, discussed her professional experience and her appointment to the MICJS Task Force. Ms. Pruett is filling one of the vacancies on the MICJS Task Force designated for a Department of Corrections representative. Ms. Pruett responded to questions from the committee about the challenges in the criminal justice system to providing offenders access to the treatment they need. Ms. Pruett stated that additional staff is needed. She discussed the training that is provided to staff, including trauma-informed care training. She discussed group therapy and the need for additional therapists.

Ms. Pruett responded to questions about whether improvements can be made in the criminal justice system without additional appropriations. Ms. Pruett stated her concerns about the majority of the persons with mental illness being treated in jails and prisons. She discussed the need for mental health services in the community before someone enters the criminal justice system. Representative Labuda discussed the closing of institutions and the lack of a safety net system for persons with mental illness. Senator Newell discussed speciality courts, such as the mental health courts, and the recent legislative efforts to address mental health needs. Ms. Pruett discussed the importance of identifying mental health needs immediately upon intake and having licensed mental health professionals involved in the intake and diagnostic process.


01:53 PM

 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young discussed his professional experience and his appointment to the MICJS Task Force. Mr. Young discussed the Community Engagement, Supervision, and Evaluation (CESE) Program, which is a post-conviction program for offenders with mental illness that provides services such as group and individual therapy, probation supervision and monitoring, and medication management. He stated that the 17th Judicial District is in the process of establishing a mental health court and that it would be an expansion of the CESE Program.

Mr. Young responded to questions about the Adams County Youth Initiative and competency determinations for juveniles. In response to a question, Mr. Young discussed balancing public safety and victims' rights with defendants' rights. Mr. Young responded to questions about whether other judicial districts are implementing programs like the CESE Program. He discussed his involvement with the Colorado District Attorneys' Council and his ability to communicate with other district attorneys. He discussed the lack of resources in rural jurisdictions of the state.

Senator Newell discussed a recent public radio story concerning the Encompass treatment program at Adams City High School. Mr. Young discussed the North Metro Task Force and its effort to address teenage prescription drug abuse. He responded to questions about his involvement with death penalty cases.


02:09 PM

Susie Walton, chair of the MICJS Task Force, discussed the appointment of Walt Pesterfield and Karen Knickerbocker, who were unable to attend the meeting, to the MICJS Task Force. Mr. Pesterfield will be filling the other Department of Corrections position on the MICJS Task Force, and Ms. Knickerbocker will be filling the criminal defense bar position on the MICJS Task Force. Representative Labuda commented on the appointees.
BILL:Consideration of Advisory Task Force Appointments
TIME: 02:12:09 PM
MOVED:Newell
MOTION:Refer the appointments of Walt Pesterfield, Kerry Pruett, Dave Young, and Karen Knickerbocker to the to MICJS Task force. The motion passed on a vote of 5-0, with one member excused.
SECONDED:Wright
VOTE
King
Excused
Rosenthal
Yes
Tochtrop
Yes
Wright
Yes
Newell
Yes
Labuda
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS