D9C3607B8CA4568B872582B90073CEE0 Hearing Summary

Ms. Harding explained that the competency, date, housing, and prevention subcommittees are in the process of being reorganized.  She will report on the new subcommittees once they have been decided upon by the task force.

The committee discussed mental health treatment in different facilities, including jails, as well as educational opportunities regarding mental health.

Ms. Shimeall came to the table to comment on the process of developing task force recommendations for the oversight committee.

Jennifer Longtin, MHDCJS Task Force, discussed examples of diversion programs in other states.  She noted that making big changes to the criminal justice system may be expensive for the state.

Representative Benavidez dialogued with the panel regarding the shift from treating mental illness in hospital settings to the criminal justice system.