tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post116741372815017754..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Legislature should prioritize mental health spending that relieves local jailsGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1167914671335581952007-01-04T06:44:00.000-06:002007-01-04T06:44:00.000-06:00Scott, your comments on mental health spending did...Scott, your comments on mental health spending did an excellent job high-lighting the need for additional funding. <BR/> <BR/>However, you wonder whether the new funds should be used to build a community based crisis system for persons with mental illness or address the need for competency restoration for those with mental illness in our jails.<BR/> <BR/>In hearings held across Texas by the Department of State Health Services a clear mandate for the funding of community based crisis care was heard. Crisis care that will provide relief to the overcrowding of jails, emergency rooms and state mental hospitals. Funding that may have the flexibility to allow competency restoration at the community level.<BR/> <BR/>To argue for increased funding for state mental hospitals is a short term solution to a much bigger problem.<BR/> <BR/>In February, 2006 the LBB approved $13.4 million in additional dollars for state hospitals that increased by 96 forensic commitment beds. The waiting list for offenders needing competency restoration is greater now than in February.<BR/> <BR/>As long as Texas doesn't have community based crisis services, jails will be used to house offenders with mental illness.<BR/> <BR/>Joe Lovelace<BR/>512/799-6294<BR/>Associate Director - Behavioral Health<BR/>Texas Council of Community MHMR CentersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1167523793912734552006-12-30T18:09:00.000-06:002006-12-30T18:09:00.000-06:00I have a great idea! Put some of the DA's ADA's in...I have a great idea! Put some of the DA's ADA's in jail with the mentally ill for 4-6 months and listen to them scream and holler. See if that would make them want to change their minds. Half of them don't have hearts much less care.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com