Governing for Results 2 - Washington State Digital Archives

Washington Department of CorrectionsPartnership helps offenders in crisis situationsThe state’s Pine Lodge pre-release center has no on-site mental health staff.Some offenders become unstable and suicidal during their incarceration andoften require transfer to other facilities. Such transfers are time-consuming,expensive -- they often involve overtime pay for employees -- and dangerous tostaff, offenders and the general public.Discussions with Eastern State Hospital, Spokane County’s Community ServicesDivisions and Spokane Mental Health Department resulted in a partnershipamong the state, county and local jurisdictions. The state and local mentalhealth departments worked together to provide suicide assessments to offendersat Pine Lodge during such emergencies. This agreement allowed theDepartment of Corrections staff and Spokane Mental Health staff to learn fromeach other.Results★ Two different situations arose that previously would have required continualobservation of the offenders and eventual transfers to other facilities. In bothcases, the offenders were returned to the corrections facilities, saving$1,440.★ The new arrangement has saved about $2,000 in staff overtime costs.★ All parties involved in the partnership increased their knowledge of both thecorrectional system and mental health procedures. Offenders receivedimmediate evaluations of their mental health needs and assessments of theirabilities to remain at Pine Lodge.Team members: Charles Law, George Bayer, Jan Gregg, Casey Kramer, JanDobbs, and Ernie Packebush.CONTACT: Jane Parnell (360) 586-250776