Date: 03/21/2014
Final
Discussion of Advisory Task Force Activities
TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
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02:13 PM -- Discussion of Advisory Task Force Activities
Michele Manchester, vice-chair of the MICJS Task Force, discussed her professional experience. Ms. Walton provided an overview of the MICJS Task Force's history, which first convened in 1999. Senator Tochtop stated that the MICJS Task Force was originally created to address concerns and the lack of oversight related to issues concerning the treatment of persons with mental illness who were involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Ms. Walton stated that the MICJS Task Force usually meets monthly. She discussed the areas of study the MICJS Task Force has examined over the task force's existence, including identification, diagnosis, treatment, and housing for juveniles and adults with mental illness who have been involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Ms. Walton stated that the MICJS Task Force had studied the adoption of a common framework to effectively address mental health issues for juveniles, including competency and co-occurring disorders. She stated that in 2005 and 2006, the MICJS Task Force examined the prosecution of and sentencing alternatives for individuals with mental illness. Ms. Walton discussed how the child welfare system serves as the mental health system for juveniles and referred to House Bill 99-1116, which created the Child Mental Health Treatment Act. Ms. Walton and Ms. Manchester responded to questions about whether the federal Affordable Care Act is improving access to mental health services.
02:22 PM
Ms. Walton discussed the current membership of MICJS Task Force. A list of the MICJS Task Force members (Attachment A) was distributed to the committee. Ms. Walton responded to questions about the one remaining vacancy on the MICJS Task Force. The remaining vacancy is for the member who represents the Division of Probation and needs to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court. Senator Newell stated that the former Chief Justice wanted to wait on making the appointment until the new Chief Justice was appointed. Ms. Walton discussed the housing issues that exist for released offenders. The committee members discussed following up with certain MICJS Task Force members about their participation on the task force. Ms. Walton responded to questions about the frequency of MICJS Task Force meetings, task force meeting locations, and task force meeting topics.
02:29 PM
The committee discussed Senate Bill 14-021, which will continue the MICJS Legislative Oversight Committee and MICJS Task Force until July 1, 2020. Ms. Walton responded to questions about whether the MICJS Task Force members are reimbursed by the agencies they represent for travel. The committee continued discussion about Senate Bill 14-021, and the ability of the legislature to fund reimbursement for the public members of the MICJS Task Force. Representative Labuda stated that Senate Bill 14-021 is currently pending before the Legislative Council Committee. Ms. Walton stated that Senate Bill 14-021 adds two additional MICJS Task Force members, who will represent the Office of the Child's Representative and the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel.
02:36 PM
Ms. Walton discussed potential legislation the MICJS Task Force may be looking into bring forth in the near future. She discussed the juvenile competency issues that the MICJS Task Force has been studying and House Bill 14-1025, concerning the determination of competency to proceed for individuals in the juvenile justice system, which was postponed indefinitely earlier in the legislative session. Senator Newell stated that she is willing to assist in assembling a stakeholder group to address juvenile competency issues. Ms. Walton responded to questions about working with the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice on juvenile competency issues. The committee discussed their involvement with the MICJS Task Force.
02:41 PM
Ms. Manchester responded to questions about the status of changes due to the recent lawsuit concerning the length of time it take to complete a competency evaluation. She discussed changes that have been made at the Mental Health Institute at Pueblo to address issues in the lawsuit. She discussed the time frames that are being met and the restoration program that was established as part of the clinical redesign of the hospital. She stated that the restoration program's focus is competency. Ms. Manchester discussed the jail-based restoration program that is focused on reducing the use of civil beds by forensic patients.
02:45 PM
Ms. Walton discussed the efforts by the MICJS Task Force to examine expanding local law enforcement agencies' Crisis Intervention Training and Mental Health First Aid Training. Senator Newell discussed the ability of legislators to host Mental Health First Aid Trainings in their districts.
02:48 PM
The committee adjourned.