This issue brief provides an overview of how mental health medication is administered in the criminal justice system and information on recent legislation focused on reducing the number of individuals being detained while waiting for treatment.
Comprehensive crisis response and stabilization services have long been considered a crucial element of public behavioral health systems. There is a considerable body of evidence suggesting that comprehensive crisis services can improve outcomes for consumers, reduce inpatient hospital stays and costs, and facilitate access to other necessary behavioral health services and supports. In many communities, crisis response services also perform important public health, public safety, and community well-being functions.
Offenders on regular parole have mental health services and sex offender treatment available to them through the division's ATP service network. Offenders with a mental health code of P3 or above may be eligible for ATP services through treatment referrals from their respective community parole officer. The division coordinates the offender's treatment through the ATP Network and also works closely with the State's local mental health centers. In order for an offender to get credit for their parole ordered treatment, the treatment provider must be ATP approved.
