| Press Release |
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| February 20, 2009 |
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Governor Kulongoski Receives Recommendations for Improving Community Mental Health Care Placement
20 of the 34 recommendations for improving the Public Safety Review Board facility siting process have already been enacted; governor commits to implementing others
(Salem) – Members of a mental health care workgroup convened by Governor Kulongoski today released its recommendations on how the state can improve procedures for siting residential-based treatment facilities and homes for people who have been found “guilty except for insanity” for committed crimes. Governor Kulongoski convened the group in the fall of 2007 after both community and advocate concerns were raised about the process for siting facilities.
"Residential treatment facilities are an integral part of mental health care delivery in Oregon, but the state must do a better job of working with local communities to ensure Oregonians feel safe and secure in their homes," said Governor Kulongoski. "These recommendations will help us improve our work with local communities to ensure the best possible process and positive outcomes for all involved."
Facilitator for the group, Senior Circuit Court Judge Darryl L. Larson of Lane County, a former prosecutor and mental health court judge, presented the group’s recommendations today to the House Human Services Committee. Following the judge, representatives of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) and state Addictions and Mental Health Division reported on how many of the recommendations are already being implemented.
The membership of the group included a balanced representation of public safety and victim interests, mental health consumers and advocates, local government officials, state legislators and other stakeholders relevant to the topic.
The Governor charged the workgroup with identifying ways to enhance the understanding of Oregon’s system for managing individuals placed within the jurisdiction of the PSRB as they move from the Oregon State Hospital to live in communities and to reach consensus on ways to strengthen the process for siting residential treatment facilities that serve these individuals. Public safety and protecting the safety and rights of individuals with mental illness guided the workgroup’s ultimate recommendations.
The recommendations of the workgroup were part of a consensus process and included: guidelines for greater involvement of local communities in the siting process; increased outreach to law enforcement, district attorneys and local governments; assurances that crime victims rights are protected; and increased public education about mental illness and the PSRB system.
The group also endorsed the concept contained in HB 2052, which would require the state to meet and confer with a sub-group of the local public safety coordinating council before siting a secure or residential treatment facility for individuals under the jurisdiction. HB 2052 will ensure greater transparency, empower communities without negatively impacting the rights of the mentally ill and ultimately strengthen Oregon’s mental health and public safety systems.
“The members of the Workgroup came together in a spirit of cooperation and with a genuine willingness to learn more about people living with mental illness and the public safety concerns of Oregon’s communities,” said Judge Larson. “There was a great deal of common ground about the need to provide more public education about these issues. There were many lively discussions that included a wide variety of perspectives. Ultimately, this Workgroup fulfilled its mission to provide guidance as Oregon moves forward toward building a modern mental health care system.”
As reported to the committee, twenty of the thirty-four recommendations have already been put into effect or are expected to be implemented within the next six months. Richard Harris, Assistant Director of the Addictions and Mental Health Division, which is responsible for licensing residential facilities, says that his staff is already working more closely with local officials and law enforcement for future facilities.
To read the recommendations of the group, click here.
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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