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NYC (New York City) Develops Model Mental Health Minimum Standards for Correctional Facilities

NCJ Number
97525
Journal
Criminal Justice Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1985) Pages: 1-10
Editor(s)
B B Bosarge
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article presents the minimum standards for mental health services for all inmates in the care and custody of the New York City Department of Corrections, except those in municipal hospital prison wards.
Abstract
The new standards took effect on February 1, 1985. They augment the original 16 standards of the New York City Board of Corrections; those standards did not address mental health services. The first section lists service goals. Standards on the identification and detection of inmates needing evaluation cover receiving screening, staff training, and the use of observation aides. Standards on diagnosis and referral cover policy and access to mental health services. The treatment standards cover criteria of adequacy, programs, informed consent, and the right to refuse treatment. Additional standards cover the use of medication, the use of restraints and seclusion, confidentiality issues, the coordination of activities of the Department of Health and Corrections, and variances from standards. Implementation dates for the various sections of the standards are also listed.