6666E0D4406DF6018725875A005E1A0F Hearing Summary

Dr. Vincent Atchity, Mental Health Colorado and Subpanel Chair, gave an outline of his presentation and the current funds being spent in the criminal justice system behavioral health system practices. He spoke about the need for diversion and keeping individuals out of the criminal justice system. He discussed county health care costs and Medicaid impacts, lifetime impacts of a sentence, difference in jail versus prisons, and gaps in care.

Dr. Atchity spoke about the lack of consistent care for those who enter the criminal justice system when they have already been under previous care. He discussed the challenges associated with behavioral health care from placing individuals in solitary confinement.

The task force asked about how they could formulate policy from these issues. Dr. Atchity talked about investing in proven intervention programs and support care.

The task force asked about competency care. Dr. Atchity talked about taking care of individuals who have not been convicted of a crime that are being held in jails not getting their health needs met.

The task force asked about changing the language associated with those in the criminal justice system, handling mental illness quickly, and children being missed in the system.

Dr. Atchity spoke about the lifelong impacts of crime and the types of resources that could be utilized at the different levels in the criminal justice system, including where funding could be better directed.

Members made comments about the partnerships that are taking place and could take place at a community-level between hospitals and jails.

Dr. Robert Werthwein, task force member and Director, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and Jagruti Shah, Director, Forensics Services, OBH,CDHS, introduced the presentation. Ms. Shah gave an introduction to the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) in regards to how individuals with mental health and substance use disorders move through the criminal justice system. She outlined the steps, or intercepts, that the SIM entails.

Ms. Shah described the framework behind SIM and gave an example of how the program is used.  She elaborated on the challenges associated with the program, including housing, coordination, and funding.

Dr. Werthwein spoke about challenges with competency care in the criminal justice system and the lack of diversion options.

Dr. Werthwein spoke about the best practices that could be implemented to aid in the care of those with mental health disorders in the criminal justice system. He discussed the need for supportive housing, mobile crisis services, substance use treatment, transition services, and diversion efforts.

The task force asked whether the subpanel is looking at competency restoration. Dr. Werthwein spoke about the charge of the subpanel and what competency means.

The task force members made comments about the lack of electronic records for patients and how it impacts care coordination and quality of care.