Imagine calling for help in the midst of a mental health crisis yet ending up in jail or a hospital. This has been an unfortunate reality for many. However, there is hope on the horizon with the Mental Health Care Transformation model proposed by Senate Enrolled Act 1. The aim is to provide more efficient and effective help by rerouting people experiencing crises away from hospitals and jails. But how will this change affect the criminal justice system?
Porter-Starke Services, one of Indiana's 24 Community Mental Health Centers, recently received a call from someone experiencing a mental health crisis who was suicidal. This is not an uncommon occurrence in Indiana. However, things are about to change with the proposed Mental Health Care Transformation model. The new system requires three parts: someone to contact (the 988 Crisis Line), someone to respond (mobile assessment teams), and a safe place to go for help (crisis stabilization units).
This proposed system aims to provide more efficient and effective help by rerouting individuals experiencing crises toward crisis stabilization units instead of hospitals or jails. The initial cost of implementing the system is projected to be around $130 million annually. Indiana would be eligible for federal payment if they demonstrate they satisfy the program's standards by March 2024.
Nineteen organizations across the state are already piloting parts of the program with promising early results. These organizations have reported cost savings and an increase in access to care. However, the one part that may prove to be the most significant is the effect on the criminal justice system. Currently, jails are filling up with people whose crimes result from untreated mental health conditions. This leaves jails ill-equipped to handle those struggling with mental health, leading to more significant challenges for both the inmates and the jail workers.
The model seeks to change all that by rerouting those experiencing crises to crisis stabilization units instead of jails. This will free up resources that would have been used in housing and caring for those with untreated mental health issues. The mobile assessment teams and crisis stabilization units will be better equipped to handle these individuals than a jail or hospital.
A significant advocate for officer wellness is former Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen. Since his daughter's experience with mental health struggles leading to a suicide attempt in 2016, Nielsen has been advocating for better mental health care for officers.
The proposed Mental Health Care Transformation model has the potential to significantly improve the welfare of officers and reduce the amount of time they have to spend dealing with individuals grappling with untreated mental health issues.
The proposed model can potentially help Indiana tremendously. It can provide more efficient and practical assistance to those experiencing mental health issues. Indiana would be eligible for federal payment if they demonstrate they satisfy the program's standards by March 2024. This would make it an affordable option for Indiana residents. Additionally, the change could significantly impact the criminal justice system by freeing up resources and routing the individuals needing help to crisis stabilization units instead of jails. Former Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen's advocacy for officer wellness is another reason for Indiana to implement this new system. Considering all these factors, the proposed model could bring a positive change to Indiana's mental health care system and its criminal justice system.
If you or a loved one has a mental disability and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.
