A model for crisis intervention services within local jails

Abstract

Identifying and providing adequate care for suicidal and mentally ill jail prisoners is a serious problem for correctional administrators throughout the country (Chaisson, 1981; James & Gregory, 1980; Rundle in Gruson, 1983; Wilson, 1980). Neither the mental health nor the local correctional systems have the resources or expertise to independently address the needs of this population; resolution rests with a systematic approach which coordinates the efforts of both systems (Cox & Robinson, 1983; Newman & Price, 1977; Steadman, McCarty, & Morrissey, 1986). Between 1984 and 1986, the New York State Office of Mental and the New York State Commission of Correction collaborated with Ulster County Mental Health Services, the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (Bureau for Municipal Police), and a Statewide advisory committee to design a program for identifying and managing suicidal and seriously mentally ill inmates within local jails and police lockups. This interagency effort culminated in the development of the New York State Local Forensic Suicide Prevention Crisis Services Program. The program, which is multifaceted, offers a cost effective interagency approach to the identification and treatment of high risk prisoners. It utilizes existing community resources and requires cooperation between mental health and local correctional personnel at both the administrative and direct service levels. The underlying premise of this program is that jail suicides can be dramatically reduced if jail/detention officers are trained to provide timely identification and referral services and if mental health programs provide appropriate clinical backup for these referrals. The program has been in operation within jails and police lockups in New York State since 1986. Participating correctional facilities have experienced a