NCJ Number
132759
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1991) Pages: 107-111
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A mental health services team consisting of a psychologist, a psychiatric registered nurse, two social workers, and a part-time psychiatrist serves the inmates of the Jefferson County (Ky.) Jail by providing crisis intervention, crisis stabilization, brief psychotherapy, and referrals and liaison services to community-based mental health treatment facilities.
Abstract
The provision of mental health services begin when an arrestee is on the booking floor; a screening form considers the individual's mental health treatment history, medications, current level of mental functioning, and current suicide risk. Inmates are then classified and provided with appropriate precautionary measures. An inmate suicide watch program has successfully prevented the completion of many suicide attempts, with training for inmate watchers greatly enhancing the program's effectiveness. In addition, the inmate completes an assessment interview during incarceration and may receive additional services. Community-based mental health and drug treatment are also available. Table