Final
Introduction
TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Votes:
Action Taken:
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09:08 AM
Representative Jahn welcomed the committee and did introductions around the room. She introduced Harriet Hall, chair of the task force, for a review of the September 29 meeting of the task force. Jeanne Smith, vice-chair of the task force, also came to the table. The first item they discussed was a review of legislation. The next item was a presentation by Doctors Rick Stewart and Andrew Shopek, Colorado Psychological Association, regarding proposed legislation that would authorize psychologists to perform competency evaluations. The task force members asked for guidance from the oversight committee regarding the proposed bill. Moira Cullen, Colorado Psychological Association, stated that the bill will be sponsored by Rep. Terrance Carroll. The task force elected a new chair and vice-chair. The task force also heard a presentation via teleconference from Connie Milligan and Ray Sabbatine on the Kentucky Jail Mental Health Crisis Network
which blends jail management and mental health screening. A phone triage system is used to meet the special needs of mentally ill inmates in the criminal justice system. The task force members were impressed by the Kentucky system and set up a new sub-committee to study the program and issues of jail crisis management. Rep. Jahn asked how the task force chose the Kentucky program as a model. Ms. Hall stated that a task force member met Connie Milligan at a conference and felt it would be useful to hear Ms. Milligan's presentation. Ms. Smith stated that she was especially impressed with the dramatic reduction in jail suicides and the simplicity of the program. Ms. Hall pointed out the Colorado does have a screening instrument in place, but there is no mandate that it be used.
09:22 AM
Ms. Hall continued explaining the current screening process and how it is designed to be used by jail employees rather than mental health professionals. Representative Solano asked if Ms. Hall and the other task force members know why the screening process is not being used. Ms. Hall stated that many jail personnel are concerned that there is a fundamental problem with identifying needs that cannot be met due to budget constraints. Representative Stafford asked how administrative costs would be addressed. She wanted to know what additional costs would be incurred. Ms. Hall answered that the sub-committee is studying that issue. The report of the task force meeting continued with items about the Continuity of Care sub-committee report, the Jefferson County Pilot Re-entry Project, which is now up and running, and a presentation from Jennifer Moe, Legislative Council, regarding a workshop she attended on substance abuse issues.