Three items passed on the consent calendar passed by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will help inmates dealing with mental health issues.
One is allowing upto 30 days additional intensive treatment in Sempervirens for individuals gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder. That is not specific to inmates but it will help individuals dealing with these issues.
The other is authorizing the jail to provide psychaitric medication for inmates who are found mentally incompetent to stand trial.
The third is eligible professionals who can discontinue a 5150 hold prior to a transfer to a facility designated by the County for evaluation and treatment by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Using the recent case of Jeremy Kish, the suspect charged with arson at the former Alliance Market location in Arcata, among other charges, being able to provide medication would have made a huge difference in court proceedings, including not needed extra supervision.
Supervisors Ryan Sundberg and Virginia Bass told me these items were a result of discussion with the Sheriff's office.
Is this a good thing?
ReplyDeleteI think so William.
DeleteWilliam Tillman:
DeleteIf one's mental issues gets one in enough trouble to wind up in jail or Sempervirens (involuntary hold) then it stands to reason treating the metnal health issue might make a world of difference on how the inmate behaves in jail, in court and after that person's eventual release.
Seems like a no-brainer to me.
I would have an issue if this means force-feeding medications against the inmate's will but I will hope there is a provision for responsible qualified mental health professional oversight.