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B0F358EA99DC38C2872587350055E9E3 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For OVERVIEW OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES IN THE OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (OBH), COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Date Aug 18, 2021      
Location HCR 0112



Overview of Criminal Justice Services in the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Colorado Department of Human Services - Committee Discussion Only


09:38:27 AM  

Jenny Wood, Director, Criminal Justice Services in the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Colorado Department of Human Services, provided an overview of the programs under Criminal Justice Services and distributed a related handout (Attachment B).  She explained that OBH delivers and funds diversion, treatment, and continuity of care services and partners with jails, parole offices, law enforcement, and justice organizations.  She began her presentation with diversion programs and answered questions about the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), including its effectiveness and budget.  The committee discussed the costs and benefits of diversion programs.

09:55:36 AM  

The committee continued to discuss diversion and asked questions about co-responder programs. 

Ms. Wood next explained jail based behavioral health services.  She discussed implementation, best practices, re-entry services and tele-health.  Committee members asked questions about transitional housing and vouchers. 

 

 

 

10:14:05 AM  

Committee members raised questions about technical assistance for jails, jail standards, and medications. 

10:18:21 AM  

The committee discussed medication consistency, or lack thereof, in jails.  Committee members asked questions about the number of inmates who participate in jail based behavioral health services. 

 

 

10:31:16 AM  

Ms. Wood continued her presentation and discussed short-term residential treatment and issues with technical violations.  She briefly explained Forensic Services in OBH and noted that this office oversees competency and restoration, transition and case management, court-ordered evaluations, jail-based and outpatient restoration services, and education.  Committee members asked questions about jail-based competency services. 

10:45:50 AM  

Chair Benavidez requested that the director of Forensic Services in OBH present to the committee about programs and services at the next hearing.