Date: 08/18/2015
Final
Discussion of Recent & Future Legislative Proposals
TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
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02:12 PM -- Discussion of Recent & Future Legislative Proposals
Karen Knickerbocker, MICJS Task Force member and representing the Office of Colorado State Public Defender, provided information about House Bill 15-1025, which concerns competency to proceed for juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system. Ms. Walton provided additional historical background about House Bill 15-1025. Ms. Knickerbocker continued the discussion of House Bill 15-1025 and the efforts made to get the Colorado District Attorney's Council (CDAC) to a neutral position on the bill. She listed the stakeholders who were involved in the drafting of the legislation. She discussed the attempts at compromises that occurred and the continued opposition from the CDAC on the bill. Ms. Knickerbocker outlined how the legislation could be readdressed in the future. She explained the lack of restoration services for both adults and juveniles. Senator Martinez Humenik commented on the legislative process.
02:27 PM
Ms. Knickerbocker answered questions about the ability of juveniles to access various mental health and social services. She shared her personal experience defending juveniles before the court. Representative Singer discussed the Differential Response Program in the Department of Human Services and the additional state funding for mental health services. Ms. Walton discussed the Department of Human Services' Collaborative Management Program and House Bill 11-1196, which allowed increased flexibility in funding for services for families. Ms. Walton discussed the willingness of the task force to continue working on a juvenile competency bill if that is the will of the committee. Senator Martinez Humenik commented on juvenile behaviors.
02:36 PM
Ms. Walton discussed the lack of staffing for the MICJS Task Force. Senator Martinez Humenik proposed various options to explore to address the lack of staffing, including university internship programs. Representative Singer discussed the possibility of merging the task force and the committee into one entity or possibly having joint meetings. There was discussion about the lack of funding in recent years for the task force.