⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F9
Findings 2 findings
F08
The participation of the VCSD, the Jail Work Group of the Ventura County Mental Health Board, and the VCBHD with regard to inmate release, has demonstrated an openness that allows for effective communications across the community. This kind of relationship can be considered a best practice. (FA-29) We appreciate the Grand Jury's recognition of the efforts of VCBHD, the Ventura County Mental Health Board, and the Sheriff's Department to strengthen and enhance the working relationship between the two departments on behalf of individuals with mental illness. We agree that the high degree of open communication that exists between our Departments and stakeholders constitutes a best practice, which serves the public's interest. It is our intention to continue to work to enhance and strengthen the collaboration in the future.
F10
Psychological Autopsies have not been an explicit element in the VCSD suicide assessment process. There are two institutional resources available to the VCSD with the technical capability to support custody staff in performing Psychological Autopsies: the CFMG and the VCBHD. The CFMG is a contractor to the VCSD with a clinical perspective; the VCBHD is an independent organization within the County with a community-based perspective. (FA-35) Psychological autopsies are not an explicit element in the VCSD suicide assessment process. However, based on the perspective the Behavioral Health Department acquires through our attendance at the quarterly Quality Assurance Reviews (FA-29), in which findings related to suicides are discussed, the Sheriff's current process for review/investigation includes many of the fundamental elements of a "Psychological Autopsy" as described in Attachment A. The Behavioral Health Department works closely with the Sheriff's Department, and when called upon, is more than willing to provide mental health expertise with the aim of reducing suicidal behaviors in the jail through collaboration, especially regarding individuals with serious mental illness. In addition to the resources of CFMG and VCBHD, technical capability to support custody staff in performing psychological autopsies could also be attained through the engagement of a contracted psychiatrist.
Recommendations 2
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R8Page 1410 The Sheriff should consider requesting the VCBHO and the CFMG to support the performance of Psychological Autopsies on inmates A and 8. (FI-O3 and Fle20) . , We believe our investigations into these deaths were thorough and covered the areas outlined ina “Psychological Autopsy.” As previously stated, we will continue to foster strong partnerships with VCBH. Letter to Honorable Judge O’Niell Grand Jury Report — inmate Processing & Suicide Prevention "August 16, 2014 Recommendation R-44 The Sheriff should insure departmental contact with the family member of inmate suicides, not only to express condolences, but to gain understanding of the individual's pre-incarceration behovior. (Fi-04 and Fi-05} We believe this recommendation currently occurs. The departivient representatives have several meetings with the family as a means of offering condolences, as well as possibly identifying additional information. Each contact with the family is an element in the further investigation. ls) e} . The Sheriff should task CFMG to assess the use of Information from the Draft Mental Health Assessment Form {Attachment 3) for applicability to the VCSD screening process. (Fl-04 and FOS) Response: We believe the existing Intake Health Screening Form is the best available. During the last Accreditation Review from the institute of Medical Quaillty (IMQ) our procedures were identified as being “best practices.” Several of cur forms were requested.to be shared with other jails as being “model” forms. tion R- The Sheriff should establish a database of Inmate screening forms to be kept for future reference, to the extent that It does not violate legal privacy restriction. (Fl-02 and Fi-03) + Privacy laws prohibit dissemination of this information as recommended. All intake health screening forms are retained the inmate's medical file, which is confidential. , Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this Grand Jury report. If additionat explanation is needed, please feel free to contact my office at 654-2381. Sincerely, Ventura County Sheriff C: Foreman, Ventura County Grand Jury Brown Mail # 1-3751 Frank Chow, CEO Analyst Response to Grand Jury Repert Form. Report Tile: Inmate Processing and Suicide Prevention in the Ventura Gounty Jail Report pate:_ May 31, 2011 Resporise by: Gragory-D. Totten title; District Attorney
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R10The Sheriff should consider requesting the VCBHD and the CFMG to support the performance of Psychological Autopsies on inmates A and B. (FI-03 and FI-10). VCBHD remains committed to its work with the Sheriff's Department to reduce suicidal behavior through the identification of incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness and collaboration between the Departments. Should the Sherriff conduct psychological autopsies on inmates A and B, VCBHD will provide assistance needed. Response time frame is deferred to VCSD. Michael Powers, County Executive Officer c: . .
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.