LJIC Intercept Filter 2 October 1, 2007 Brenda Desmond Leslie Halligan Dr. Laura Wendlandt

Acronyms and Definitions MHP (11) Professional Person [MHF certification] (16) MH = Mental Health MI = Mental Illness CD= Chemical Dependency , 104 LAC = Licensed Addiction Counselor Civil Commitment through 128 Community Commitment

Challenges Clients with serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement may have: Limited understanding of the legal system/process Limited ability to assist counsel Intermittent crisis stabilization Need for MH treatment Need for assistance with living skills so focus is not necessarily on following the law Lack of resources (financial, housing, and family support to name a few) Focus may be on surviving v. following the law

Systemic Challenges We need better strategies to educate clients about the legal system (by attorneys, law enforcement, MH professionals…) We need more qualified evaluators/professionals throughout Montana We need more diversion programs and education Better strategies to cross train professionals There are limited crisis stabilization facilities Step up and step down facilities needed Lack of integrated treatment (CD and MH) BHIF CRF GRP homes Semi-independent living facilities (assisted living) MHSP funding increases

Policy Changes Needed Better to access to information about service availability (e.g. creation of a website) More funding for emergency MH services More qualified evaluators/professionals Funding for training evaluators/professionals More funding for MH placement options (e.g. crisis centers, BHIFs, more local community hospital beds… More diversion opportunities Increased MH/CD training for law enforcement, hospital staff, crisis workers, other stake holders

Disproportionate representation of clients with mental illness within the court system: To facilitate the reduction, we propose: 1. On site MH/CD staff across the system 2. MH/CD services for pre-trial detainees 3. Comprehensive access to Treatment Court 1. Need for more diversion programs 2. CIT

Intercept 2 Court Processes Q: How are mentally ill offenders identified? Self reported history Law enforcement officers Know history Family report Observed behavior (including statements) Attorney, judges, cell mates, etc. ** We do not have a comprehensive screening mechanism to identify people in the court system.

Intercept 2 Court Processes Q: How are mentally ill offenders handled? Request by attorney for evaluation of client  Civil commitment  Fitness to proceed  Mental disease or defect defense Request by judge for evaluation Referral to MH Court coordinator (Missoula) Occasionally dismissed for favorable MH/CD treatment At times, needs not specifically addressed

Intercept 2 Court Processes Q: Are there or should there be diversion alternatives for non violent substance abuse offenders? Often, substance abusing offenders have co- occurring disorders. Increases needed in state funding for CD treatment (both inpatient and outpatient). Increased residential community facilities. System wide on-site MH/CD professional

Intercept 2 Court Processes Q: What changes/improvements would you like to see in respect to mentally ill offenders and nonviolent substance abuse offenders? Forensic PACT services Increases needed in state funding for MH treatment (both inpatient and outpatient). Increased residential community facilities. Jail based treatment System wide on-site MH/CD professional