📋
Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Placer County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Mental Health Care of Placer County Jail Inmates
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 8 findings
F1
Page 63
More than half of Placer County jail inmates have mental health issues requiring specialized care.
F2
Page 63
The large number of mental health inmates negatively impacts staffing, budget resources and space allocation in Placer County jails.
F3
Page 63
Correctional staff is continuously trained in the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
F4
Page 63
AB 109 has created significant challenges to the system. County inmates now serve longer terms and have more critical and chronic medical and mental health issues.
F5
Page 63
If a defendant is considered incompetent to stand trial and criminal proceedings are suspended, they can be held at the jail for 90 days or more waiting for a bed at a State hospital.
F6
Page 63
The inclusion of a Return to Competency unit at the South Placer Jail would be more efficient in the timely treatment of mentally ill inmates.
F7
Page 63
Inmates with mental health diagnoses receive services as needed.
F8
Page 63
Drug use today has a more severe impact on the physical and mental health of inmates than in the past. Conclusion The Placer County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Health and Human Services consider the health and welfare of inmates a top priority. Although there were many bidders, CFMG has been awarded the contract for the past 23 years and is considered to be competent. Sheriff’s Department personnel continuously train to recognize the symptoms of mental illness. Despite the burdens placed on jail personnel, they work diligently to innovate and implement programs to help the inmates. When inmates are released, they’re given treatment plans and prescriptions as needed. However, they are no longer under the supervision of the jail staff and may opt not to take the medications or take advantage of available resources. - 59 - -2017 Final Report
Recommendations 3
-
R1Page 64Placer County expand the jail facility to include a dedicated mental health unit.
-
R2Page 64Placer County develop a “Return to Competency” program.
-
R3Page 64Continuing education for jail personnel in areas dealing with the mentally ill. - 60 - -2017 Final Report