Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders Initiative

Grant Begin:

January 2, 2011

Created:

In Nebraska, approximately 71,000 adults have a serious mental illness, according to the 2009 DHHS annual report.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that in 2008, approximately 1,100 adults with mental illnesses were incarcerated in Nebraska.  In 2009 alone, 924 individuals on probation were ordered to complete some form of mental health treatment or evaluation.  In addition, of those probationers who received a substance abuse evaluation in 2009, 363 were also recommended to complete a mental health or psychological evaluation, indicating the presence of co-occurring disorders in the criminal justice population.

This initiative was created:

• To provide additional information to Judges at the sentencing/dispositional stage concerning  individuals suspected of a mental health or co-occurring disorder
• Provides evaluation and transportation vouchers to individuals in need of evaluations and facing financial barriers
• Increase Judicial Branch knowledge and competency of mental health and Co-Occurring disorders through enhanced training
• Create data systems to measure the utilization and outcomes of mental-health co-occurring evaluations to support efforts toward long term funding for mental health and co-occurring services for justice clients.

The types of Evaluations availible under this Initiative are:

• Pre-Treatment Assessment (PTA):  Includes a Bio-Psychosocial Assessment and Initial Diagnostic Interview (or Mental Status Exam-MSE). The Bio-Psychosocial Assessment includes a family and social history, and the Initial Diagnostic Interview assesses if the adult or juvenile presents with a DSM-IV mental disorders diagnosis. Together they are used to identify the needs, appropriate strategies, methods of interventions, and any further needed assessments.
• Co-Occurring Evaluation (C/O):   Includes a Substance Abuse evaluation which complies with the Standardized Model for the Delivery of Substance Abuse Services (this includes the requirements of a Bio-Psychosocial Assessment) and Initial Diagnostic Interview (or Mental Status Exam-MSE). The Initial Diagnostic Interview assesses if the adult presents with a DSM-IV diagnosis. Together, they are used to identify an adult’s substance abuse diagnosis and mental health diagnosis along with appropriate strategies and methods of intervention.
• Sex Offender/Youth Who Sexually Harm (SO):  Includes a Bio-Psychosocial Assessment and a comprehensive sexual assessment to determine the risk of an adult or juvenile continuing sexually inappropriate behaviors and treatment recommendations. These assessments are targeted for adults or juveniles who are convicted for a sexual offense or if a Pre-Treatment Assessment indicates further assessment is needed.

Available to :

Screening Process and Subsequent Referral for an Evaluation: 

Starting July 1, 2011

• The Court when ordering a presentence/predisposition investigation can require  as a part of the investigation a screening and subsequent referral as needed for a Metal Health, Co-Occurring or Sex Offender /Youth Who Sexually Harm
• Or if the Court does not order a screening and referral for evaluation as warranted: A screening will be conducted as a part of the Presentence/Predisposition Investigation and when certain indicators are identified a subsequent recommendation for an evaluation will be made to the Court.

Voucher Eligibility

• Any individual having participated in an investigation on or after July 1, 2011, in need of a Mental Health or Co-Occurring evaluation and does not have the ability to pay, not covered by insurance or Medicaid.

  Limited To

  • Adult Judicial Districts 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11
  • Juvenile Judicial Districts 2, 3, 6, 9, 11

   

  Vouchers are approved and administered through the Office of Probation Administration, Community Corrections Division.