Mental Health

managing behavior in long term segregation

jemphd — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:48:57 GMT

We in NC are looking at developing a program to address those inmates who are in long term segregation due to rule violations and who are limited in their ability to control behavior to work toward 6 month + long goals, resulting in their staying segregated. I am curious what the readers of this site may have attemtped/or found helpful in the past. Thanks for any ideas or experiences you can share.

suicide attempt definition

galejoslin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:52:06 GMT

I am looking for definitions of a "suicide attempt". There seems to be a vast difference of opinion on the topic, so I thought I would ask, you, my colleagues, for your definition. Thanks in Advance. Gale Joslin, Ph.D.

research on people with a mental illness leaving custody in Australia

Michelle Denton — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:51:09 GMT

Hi there, I am doing my PhD on the transition experience of people with a mental illness leaving custody in Australia. I am interested in making contact with other researchers and practitioners around the world who are interested in this topic. I am particularly interested in looking at Models of Service Delivery and program evaluations from various juristictions that may not be showing up in the literature. Many thanks, Michelle

Programs in prison for mentally ill offenders who are about to be released back to the community

galejoslin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:49:48 GMT

I am looking for information on existing programs and/or ideas regarding what is being done for pre-release mentally ill offenders. What works in getting them prepared to return to the community? What needs to be done that isn't being done? My ideas is they need a constant connection vs. transition. To that end, what do we, as corrections professionals, need to do to help them prior to their release? Thanks, Gale Joslin, Ph.D. DOC Psychologist

1 Day Conference in Atlanta - Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (9/11/09)

Angela Dash Winfrey — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:05:03 GMT

Crisis in the Community: Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children.............SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 IN ATLANTA
TO REGISTER: http://www.mentalhealthgeorgia.com/HTML/WORKSHOP/workshop2.html With vision and action, The Attachment and Bonding Center of Atlanta continues its focus on providing mental health and emotional well-being through personal and professional development. As a result of our vision, our ABC University will host a one day themed Crisis in the Community: Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Abuse and [Commercial Sexual] Exploitation of Children and we are distinctly honored to extend to you an invitation to this event. At this September 11th event, participants will gain from national experts Dr. Sharon W. Cooper, M.D. and Detective Cathy De La Paz:
· a greater understanding of child sexual abuse including the commercial sexual exploitation of children and how our community can most effectively respond to this growing issue.
· a detail of the different aspects of child sexual exploitation and trafficking, including children victimized through pornography, prostitution, cyber-enticement, sex tourism, and human trafficking.
· information regarding the scope of the problem of child commercial sexual exploitation, its dynamics, characteristics and profile of the victim and the offender, as well as the pathway to victimization and recruitment techniques.
· knowledge of how investigative interventions of child commercial sexual exploitation cases differentiate from traditional child sexual abuse investigations, how to identify investigative challenges/issues related to these cases, and how to overcome these challenges through non-traditional proactive investigative techniques. Case examples will be utilized to illustrate where mistakes have been made and what successful investigative techniques have worked.
· a unique and rare look, "a first-hand, insider's view," of how children are victimized through prostitution from the victim's and the perpetrator's ("pimp's") perspective.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Child advocates Child welfare professionals Defense attorneys Judges Juvenile justice professionals Law enforcement Mental health professionals Policymakers Prosecutors Social workers Therapeutic Group Home Providers
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS
Dr. Sharon Cooper Dr. Sharon Cooper, MD, FAAP, is the CEO of Developmental and Forensic Pediatrics, PA, a consulting firm that provides medical care, training, and expert witness experience in child maltreatment cases, as well as medical care for children with disabilities. She works regularly with numerous national and international investigative agencies on Internet crimes against children cases.
She holds faculty positions at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She is also an instructor at the Army Medical Education Department Center and School at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where she provides multidisciplinary training in all forms of child maltreatment to health care providers, law enforcement, attorneys, judges, therapists, chaplains, and social workers.
Detective Cathy De La Paz
A 24-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, assigned to the High Risk Victims and Trafficking Unit within the Child Exploitation Squad, Detective De La Paz specializes in conducting interviews of adolescent children and non-compliant victims who may be deceptive, avoidant and/or tentative in their disclosures. Because of this specialty, Detective De La Paz is often called upon to assist and consult on these interviews and cases, both locally and nationally. Additionally, Detective De La Paz instructs on the unique interview skills and investigative techniques needed on cases involving children who have been victimized through prostitution.
Detective Del La Paz has instructed for the Dallas Police Department Academy, the Tarrant County Regional Police Academy (Fatal Child Abuse and Neglect Program), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP,) the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and for various other agencies and conferences throughout the country. Detective De La Paz has also trained internationally regarding high risk youth/ prostitution interviews and investigations for law enforcement, prosecutors and NGO's from Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, China, Myranmar, and Singapore.

Free NIC Videoconference

Sandy Schilling — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:57:39 GMT

The National Institute of Corrections will host a live three-hour satellite videoconference, The Mentally Ill in Jail: Whose Problem is it Anyway?, on July 15, 2009. See the flyer, read more, and complete the free registration. Mental health issues affect the entire community and anyone interested in this topic is welcome to participate.

Staff Mental Health Issues/Suicide Prevention

Bradley Fogg — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:02:01 GMT

Greetings -

There is all sorts of information out there concerning prevention of suicide and signs of suicidal behavior etc concerning the prisoner population. Does anyone have a lesson plan or a source of information from which a leson plan could be devleoped dealing with officer/staff mental health issues. I have the typical 'stress' information, but I am looking for something deeper than that. Suicide, domestic violence and so on.

Can anyone help? Brad

Offender Benefits: Application & Restoration Before Release

Joel F. Botner — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:33:16 GMT

Good Day All,

Our jail agency endeavors to link offenders with community based services in preparation for their release. Government benefits being restored in a timely manner (ASAP) is seen as a way of reducing recidivism - according to the proposed federal legislation entitled Recidivism Reduction Act HR 2829. The Social Security Administration also maintains this page for offenders being released who want to apply for benefits prior to release: http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-prerelease.htm

Question: what jails or prisons are doing this? If your agency is - could you please share how to get started and what obstacles to avoid?

Thanks so much,

Joel Botner

Miami Dade County Corrections, Miami - Fl.

Support for incarcerated consumers

DBSA Recruitment — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:29:04 GMT

As the Recruitment Coordinator for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), I am interested in connecting with the appropriate mental health professionals in prison facilities. DBSA has been making connections throughout the country to try to start peer lead support groups in prison facilities, and has had a great response thus far. I would love to hear any of your thoughts about how to continue this project to provide more support for inmates who are living with mood disorders. Currently the first DBSA group in an incarceration facility has been very successful. Providing a common connection between inmates, while learning about living successfully with depression or bipolar, has shown great levels of progress for these consumers. Also, I am interested in partnering DBSA with recent residents who are working on their discharge recovery plan. These support groups are meant to provide a comfortable, judgment free, understanding environment, where people can connect and relate about similar experiences, as well as share in positive ways to deal with the obstacles that can arise. DBSA also works with specific groups on Peer Specialist training, a very intensive training that would allow one on one support between peers. Any and all feedback, thoughts, or interest would be much appreciated. Please respond to this thread, or contact me at startup@dbsalliance.org. Also, please check out the DBSA website for more information at www.dbsalliance.org. Thank You, Mary Mischka Dean Recruitment Coordinator Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

QMHP defined?

L Nutt — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:04:55 GMT

Can someone point me to the definition of a qualified mental health professional (QMHP) within federal rules, regulations or code? Thanks.

Prevalence of Serious Mental Illness Among Jail Inmates

Sandy Schilling — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:54:59 GMT

Please read my Today's Jails Blog about the new report "Prevalence of Serious Mental Illness Among Jail Inmates". (Be sure to click on the press release to read the comments by Art Wallenstein.)

Indiana Department of Correction - 2008 National Mental Health Conference

Evan Hawkins — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:09:18 GMT

The Indiana Department of Correction is honored to host the 2008 National Mental Health Conference titled, “Unlock the Mystery: Managing Mental Health from Corrections to Community.” The conference will be held June 23-25, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Adam’s Mark Hotel at the Indianapolis Airport. Now is the time for you to make your plans to be a part of this extraordinary event!

During “Unlock the Mystery,” participants will be afforded the opportunity to acquire promising practices employed by correctional agencies across the country. This conference will address solutions for managing the explosive growth of the mentally ill, substance abusing, and sex offender populations within the adult male, adult female and juvenile populations in jails and prisons.

CEU’s will be awarded to professionals in attendance. More details will follow soon.

Participants will obtain an increased knowledge of the continuity of care from confinement to community-based supervision with the intention of preventing rapid decompensation.

Workshops topics will include the following:

    •   Tele Mental Health
    •   Forensic Diversion: Sex Offenders
    •   Forensic Diversion: Mentally Ill Offenders
    •   Public/Private Partnerships
    •   Therapeutic Communities for Substance Abusers
    •   Civil Commitment for Sex Offenders
    •   Penile Plethysmograph Technology
    •   Residential Treatment Unit/Chronic Care Unit
    •   Indiana Sex Offender Monitoring & Management – Phase II
    •   Indiana Sex Offender Monitoring & Management – Phase III
    •   Juvenile Intake/Diagnostic/Classification Process
    •   Sex Offender Treatment Education Units
    •   Managing Seriously Mentally Ill Offenders in Segregated Housing
    •   Gambling Research/Gamblers Anonymous
    •   Methamphetamine Units

Additional breakouts and workshops will be announced as the conference approaches.

“Unlock the Mystery,” is also looking for distinguished presenters to further enrich this progressive event.
If you are interested in being a distinguished presenters at the 2008“Unlock the Mystery” National Conference, please see the attached Call for Papers Abstract Submission Proposal. Please complete, and submit to: afurr@idoc.in.gov, by February 15, 2008.

To be a part of this special event, please register by completing the registration form (located at http://www.in.gov/indcorrection/unlockingthemystery/index.htm and submit payment to:

        Indiana Department of Correction
        Attn: NMHC Committee
        P.O. Box 878
        Westville, Indiana 46391

        Registration Fee: $225.00

       Date: June 23-25, 2008

       Location:   Adam’s Mark Hotel
                           2544 Executive Drive
                           Indianapolis, IN 46241
                           Phone: (317) 248-2481
                           Email: www.adamsmark.com/indy-airport <http://www.adamsmark.com/indy-airport>

For further National Mental Health Conference information, please visit www.idoc.in.gov and/or email unlockthemystery@idoc.in.gov.

Hope to see you there!

Medication Packets & HIPAA

JJLarson — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:51:05 GMT

okay folks - ring in on this question.... question raised by our medical administrator

Is HIPAA impuned by the fact that inamte names are on the medication packets that the medical staff bring inot the housing units?

As the Staff passess out meds, they check for the speicfic inmate's name and match it to armband, etc and pass on the meds. Does the nature of names on packets, and potentially seen by others, equate to HIPAA violation? Or does their response by presenting one's self via the calling out of inmates for medication pass, either by name or by announcing med pass time equate to self-disclosure.

JJ Larson, Mental Health Administrator and (recently appointed) Sr Privacy Official, GCDC - Greenville , SC

Mental Health Housing and Programs in jails

James F. Whitley — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:48:32 GMT

I am serving on a Virginia State Task Force to reform mental health law and how it relates to the Criminal Justice system. My piece of this is finding out what progressive models are there nationwide that provide

1. Diversion from Jail for mentally ill

2. Internal housing options for mentally ill inmates

3. Restoration programs within jails for mentally ill.

mental health in prisons

Diane Woodcock — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:54:08 GMT

Hi! I have just started as a behavioral clinician at a medium security prison (male) and am interested in learning about mental health in prisons. After working over 20 years with abused and neglected teenagers I am now working with a new population. I am finding that many of the inmates have similiar problems that the teenagers that I worked with had. I am also interested in any programming with violent offenders. We are wanting to see if we can do any programming with them. Any assistance you can give to this "newbie" would be appreciated.

General Questions

Darren Long — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:09:45 GMT

1. What is your facility's average daily population (ADP)? 2. What percentage of your ADP requires psychiatric services (psychiatrist)? 3. How many patients (inmates) does each psychiatrist see on a daily basis? 4. Does your facility employ psychiatrists? or contract with psychiatrist(s)?

Suicide Intervention Training material

cia251 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:48:08 GMT

I am looking to revise and update my state's current suicide intervention/prevention training course. If anyone has a current lesson plan or power point on this topic, please forward to tnapier@mt.gov. Thanks in advance for your assistance in this very important matter. Happy holidays and take care!!

Tracy Napier

MT DOC Training Specialist

Best Practises: Suicide Prevention Programs in Jails

Patrick — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:43:40 GMT

I am looking for a list of best suicide prevention program in large jails in the US for a project I am working on. I would appreciate any input. Thanks

several questions

deb worster — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:52:30 GMT

Hi to all -

I am a clinical social worker in an inpatient psych unit in a prison. am always interested in hearing what other folks are doing. currently we are offering groups such as DBT skills, Anger Management, Managing Auditory Hallucinations, mental illness awareness class, symptom management. We hope to get a dual diagnosis group going soon. The managing auditory hallucinations group is one that I developed based on an article I read some years back in a Psychosocial Nursing journal. So what are other folks doing?

If you are working in an inpatient setting in a prison, I would be interested in hearing how your unit is structured in terms of hierarchy and how the officers and clinical staff work together.

Restraint Chair Use

JJLarson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:45:43 GMT

Recently, I have been thinking about the use of restraint chairs in our facility and our role in the Psych Services Division in monitoring or sanctioning their use. Our policy seems to give wide berth in terms of less severe threat of harm -to- immiment life threatening risk (in both cases- to self as well as others) - But this is not in any course I ever took - so I am interested in what role other mental health staff play in this process in their Detention Facilities.

Thanks, JJ Larson

Training video to trigger classroom discussion re: Working with Mentally Ill Offenders

PJ Braun — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:45:54 GMT

We have been using a commerially produced (AIMS video titled: The Correctional Officer: Supervision of Special Inmates) to help generate discussion of critical issues in our academy training. This video is no longer commercially available and the company has chosen to not let us duplicate locally. I am looking for a viable alternative video (desired max of 20 minutes long) that we can get our hands on the addresses: 1) Definitions & descriptions of mental illnesses, 2) Signs & symptoms of illness, & 3) Recommendations for correctional officers regarding appropriate responses/behavior. We have been focusing on four categories of mental illness: manic-depressive (bi-polar), paranoid personality, schizophrenia, & psychopathy/sociopathy. Any help you could provide in pointing us in an appropriate direction who be appreciate. Our local subject matter experts have come up dry. "PJ" Braun

Mental Health Jobs in Wyoming DOC

Laura — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 02:10:26 GMT

I'm not certain if this is a proper posting, but I have attempted to find out. We have several master's and doctorate level positions available for clinicians to work in the Wyoming Department of Corrections. If you are intested, please contact Laura McKinnon at mckinnon2@msn.com. We are looking for a Regional Director of Mental Health as well as 2 other doctorate level psychologists. We have 3 master's level therapist positions.

Thanks,

Laura

Disciplinary Process / Mentally ILL

Robert.Metzger — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:42:11 GMT

I am curious as to what procedures people use when evaluating offenders who are mentally ill but have been found guilty of a disciplinary action. The research and general experience is clear that segregation / solitary confinement is not good for the majority of mentally ill offenders. Do you have a process in place to evaluate mentally ill offenders as part of the disciplinary process? Most clinicians seem to have an informal process worked out with the disiciplinary officer / institutional judge; I am looking for a specific process that can consistently be followed to add uniformity and increase interrater reliability among different clinicians in the same system of institutions.

Thank you

intake scoring system

deb worster — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:47:23 GMT

we are looking at updating our intake mental health scoring system. currently we use a 5 point system ie MH 1 - does not need mental health services MH 2 P - on psych meds needs to have a prescriber appointment. MH2 M - monitor for adjustment MH2 S suicide attempt history I can't remember the rest off hand as most every one is either a one or a two. second question do you just score at intake or do you change scores as the person is in the system ie: someone who came in as a one and later used more intensive service or had a suicide attempt so the score is no longer a MH1

Lifer's Program

Fredric — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:43:22 GMT

We have recently had 3 suicide attempts from inmate's who are serving life without parole. While I don't have evidence that necessarily links these attempts to major depression or the existensial issues of coping with their plight, I have been tasked (as the Clinical Director of Behavioral Health) by our DOC Director to develop a program for Lifer's. Does anyone have such programs in their system or know of any resources? I hate re-inventing wheels!