CFG is well aware of the complex issues that arise when managing multiple levels of mental healthcare, while providing on-going interventions and establishing services to prevent the escalation of problems stemming from the mental health problems prevalent among the inmate population.

The following standards serve as the basis for treatment principles and responsibilities assumed in caring for mentally ill inmates:

  • Rapid and efficient response to crises and requests for services (24 hours/7 days per week on-call coverage for psychiatric emergencies)
  • Individualized treatment plans that address the bio-psychosocial needs of the offender
  • Coordination of services in alignment with  Counties policies and procedures
  • Rapid and efficient response to changes in inmate behavior, often leading to changes in the level of care required
  • Respect for inmates being treated and the maintenance of appropriate levels of confidentiality
  • Documentation that meets professional, institutional and regulatory standards
  • Behavioral and psycho-educational treatment that uses both individual and group modalities of treatment.  Group modalities may include lectures, group participation, art therapy and role playing. Group therapy topics frequently include, but are not limited to: Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Relapse Prevention, and Parenting
  • Monitoring and improvement of services as established by CQI program goals and objectives
  • Employment and retention of licensed, experienced and competent staff
  • Participation in peer review and core standards reviews for the improvement of services
  • Providing training to facility staff regarding the appropriate actions required in emergency situations; recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness; and recognizing and responding to a potentially suicidal inmate
  • Meetings with facility administrators
  • Submission of reports, as requested or required
  • Prescribing and monitoring of medications in accordance with the formulary
  • Coordination of services for transfer of those individuals in need of psychiatric commitment
  • Training for  County law enforcement personnel and community resource agencies in de-escalation and diversion tactics through the CIT (Crisis Intervention Team)
  • Detention Rounding, as part of the courtline process, to accurately assess mentally-ill inmates’ ability to understand or endure detention, with alternative options offered for those inmates deemed too mentally-compromised, likely to experience destabilization/decompensation, incapable of understanding charges leveled against them, or unable to discern right from wrong
  • Collaboration with the facility’s internal Program Services Department
  • Collaboration with outside community resources regarding discharge and re-entry programming
  • Compilation of daily, weekly and monthly mental health statistics
  • Participation in MAC (Medical Audit Committee) and NCCHC meetings and assignments