The ultimate goal is to utilize all programs and services available, to ensure that no inmate involved in DDF’s internal mental health system is released to the community without services.
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Screening and Assessment
All inmates undergo mental health screening by a nurse within 4 hours of intake. Inmates who screen positive for possible mental health risk factors at intake or at any point during their incarceration are referred for psychosocial assessment by a licensed clinician. Following the assessment, individualized treatment plans are developed and housing decisions are made for inmates diagnosed with a major mental illness, to include the Mental Health Unit, if appropriate. Referral for housing in the Mental Health Unit is subject to review and approval by the Psychiatrist and Psychologist.
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Mental Health Unit (MHU)
JRDC’s 30-bed MHU is a therapeutic community designed to treat and stabilize mentally ill inmates for return to the general population and ultimately, the community. Admission to the Unit is at the sole discretion of mental health professionals based on diagnosis and suitability for the environment. Length of stay on the MHU is variable, but is generally short-term. Inmates assigned to the MHU may participate in individual and group therapy. Additional programming may include Conflict Resolution; Social Skills; Goal-Setting; Life Skills; and Substance Abuse, Mental Illness & Health. Each week, inmates are reviewed by the Mental Health Team to determine progress and readiness for release from the Unit. Detention Officers and Correctional Program Specialists are specially selected and trained to work in the Unit and support the Mental Health Team.
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Treatment
Individualized Treatment Plans are established for all inmates with mental illness, whether housed on the MHU, segregation, or in general population at either JRDC or ORCC. Treatment plans include the most current pharmacological interventions available as clinically indicated, as well as individual and group therapy when appropriate.
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Case Management
Qualifying inmates are referred to Mental Health Case Managers for establishment of aftercare plans that are consistent with their internal course of treatment. Case Managers’ priorities include assuring that released inmates have procured entitlements for which they are eligible, that they have been adequately referred and accepted to the appropriate community based services, and that all monitoring authorities (e.g., Parole & Probation or Pretrial Services) are kept abreast of efforts to seek treatment. Case Managers are responsible for aftercare planning in preparation for and following the inmate’s discharge from custody.
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Hospitalization
Inmates requiring more intensive care at any point during their incarceration are evaluated to determine qualification for admission to a state psychiatric hospital. To ensure continuity of care, inmates returning from hospitals are immediately screened by medical and mental health professionals. The inmate’s hospital discharge instructions are reviewed and incorporated into treatment plans, when applicable. If recommended, inmates returning from state psychiatric hospitals are transferred directly to the MHU.
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Criminal Justice System Interface
To the extent possible and appropriate, an inmate’s status in the criminal justice system is taken into consideration in development of aftercare plans.
For Sentenced Inmates, plans are developed based on the scheduled release date. If probation follows, aftercare arrangements are shared with Parole & Probation.
For Pretrial Inmates scheduled for bail reconsideration hearings, Pretrial Services offer aftercare recommendations for the court’s consideration in setting conditions of pretrial release.
For Pretrial Inmates held pending trial, treatment and aftercare information is shared with defense counsel in advance of trial, provided authorization to release the information is granted by the inmate.
The ultimate goal is to utilize all programs and services available, to ensure that no inmate involved in DDF’s internal mental health system is released to the community without services.
