NCJ Number
232650
Date Published
2010
Length
98 pages
Annotation
Intended for State mental health commissioners, who develop State mental health policy, this toolkit - which is based on relevant research and experiential knowledge - provides guidance on responding to acts of violence committed by a person with a history or current diagnosis of serious mental illness.
Abstract
The toolkit presents practical advice, tips, and specific tools to guide planning and responses before, during, and after a critical incident. Each of these sections has the same format. First, the key responsibilities of the mental health commissioner are outlined for each stage of a critical incident. Second, commissioners are assisted in preparing their agencies for an appropriate and timely response. Third, commissioners are informed about what they must know about relevant State laws, policy, and operations. Fourth, commissioners are guided in preparing for and responding to media inquiries and developing public information activities. Key action steps are outlined for each of the four sets of responsibilities to be fulfilled by the commissioner. Also provided are briefings on strategic issues, such as effective leadership and work with the media, with a focus on politically sensitive areas that may need to be addressed, such as involuntary commitment. Fact sheets contain information that can be used or adapted for sharing with the public and the media about key issues related to critical events that involve mentally ill persons. Checklists/contact sheets are provided to have available for the agency, the State, and the media. These are designed to provide guidance during high-pressure incidents and to monitor the response. Appended list of expert advisors who contributed to the toolkit and a mental illness and violence literature review