NCJ Number
154860
Date Published
1995
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This report addresses issues regarding the custody and care of offenders with serious mental illnesses. The report chronicles the deliberations and accomplishments of the involved criminal justice and treatment agencies and organizes into one document the knowledge gained regarding this population.
Abstract
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services statistics indicate an average daily population of approximately 10,000 offenders held in local county detention centers and the Baltimore City Detention Center. Using the 1992 Maryland and national data regarding inmates with mental illnesses, the Task Force estimated that there may be 600 to 700 inmates in local correctional facilities who require mental health intervention. The Task Force recommended a collaborative approach using criminal justice and treatment entities to develop a systematic treatment program. The Mental Hygiene Administration has agreed to develop the Jail Mental Health Program (fully discussed in this report). The Task Force made 16 recommendations, including: (1) Treatment and management of offenders with serious mental illnesses should be an ongoing priority, allowing for the continued development and expansion of the Jail Mental Health Program statewide; (2) Executives from the appropriate involved State agencies and private organizations should enter into a shared service agreement to develop a systematic treatment program; (3) Innovative fiscal mechanisms and coordination of funds from federal, State and local agencies should be explored and used; (4) Confidentiality laws should be structured to allow information sharing among appropriate agencies; (5) State officials should encourage academic institutions to develop curricula for professional training in working with offenders with mental illnesses in criminal justice settings; (6) Families should be assisted in understanding the civil commitment process; (7) recommendations for enhanced communication and networking among agencies; and (8) recommendations concerning aftercare. Treatment for offenders with serious mental illnesses incarcerated in the Division of Correction and supervised by the Division of Parole and Probation were reviewed; however, these issues need to be more fully examined. Appendixes