NCJ Number
213324
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 68 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 22-25
Date Published
February 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes how Kentucky developed a system of care that reduced suicides and expanded mental health services in jails without increasing costs to jails.
Abstract
Known as the Kentucky Jail Mental Health Crisis Network, the system of care has the objectives of identifying symptoms of suicide and/or serious mental illness and treating them to reduce self-harm and suicide in jails. This involves a secondary level of assessment by a licensed mental health professional and an increase in diversion and treatment. The program's success is dependent on the jail's use of reliable and standardized screening instruments. The 2 questionnaires developed for the program have no more than 20 "yes-or-no" questions that reduce the booking/screening officer's time in making decisions. "Yes" answers have prompts on whom to notify if risk is present. During training, jail staff are instructed in how to supplement the intake and booking questionnaires with additional processes for identifying risk at any time during incarceration. The toll-free telephone triage line offers 24-hour response by a licensed mental health professional, who uses a research-based mental health and suicide risk-assessment instrument. Risk-management protocols have been established in Kentucky jails based on best-practice standards in the industry. Another innovation of the program is funding for the regional community mental health center boards, which provide 24-hour coverage for jail emergency follow up response. After the first year of implementation, data apparently show that the new network of services, fully funded by legislative action through an increase in court costs, is reducing suicides and increasing service connections. 4 notes