New Prison Plan Will Bolster Inmate Mental Health Services Statewide

July 6, 2017

The Florida Department of Corrections has announced a plan to implement major mental health care reforms across Florida’s prisons.

Between 2010 and 2016, while the total inmate population has decreased, the Florida DOC experienced a 51 percent increase in the percentage of all mentally ill inmates with the most severe and persistent mental disorders.

“Since my appointment I have worked with the Governor and the Legislature to make meaningful improvements to our state’s correctional institutions – with a specific focus on the mental health population in our custody. With this support we have achieved significant mental health accomplishments, and I was proud to have Governor Scott sign into law this year a pay raise for correctional officers who earn the American Correctional Association Correctional Behavioral Health Certification. Ensuring these inmates are given appropriate clinical services is critical to the safe operation of our institutions,” Secretary Julie Jones said.

“We have seen a significant increase of mentally ill inmates in our custody. As we look toward the future of our Department, we must continue to focus on providing the treatment and services integral to the rehabilitation of those with behavioral health needs. I want to thank Governor Scott for his leadership and support of mental health initiatives as FDC works to become a national leader in correctional mental health. FDC looks forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature to implement data-driven reforms that ensure a return on investment for Florida taxpayers, improve outcomes for those in our custody and create a system of care that works.”

The DOC will establish protective housing and augmented treatment units at the Wakulla C.I. Annex.

Correctional officers working in mental health units who obtain the Correctional Behavioral Health Certification will receive a raise. The raise training will enhance the officers’ skill sets in dealing with a difficult inmate population and improve the safety of staff and inmate interactions.

Comments

One Response to “New Prison Plan Will Bolster Inmate Mental Health Services Statewide”

  1. David Huie Green on July 6th, 2017 5:40 pm

    If you think it is hard to find people willing to hire people exiting Correctional Institutions, just think about renaming them Mental Asylums.

    People can be sooo judgmental about trusting their lives and the lives of their children and other workers around criminals and nutjobs.

    David for mental health

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News