Another important note is that behaviors by people requiring care can occasionally endanger family members , general community members , law enforcement officials , and others . Conversely , efforts to support and care for this high-need population , as well as their families , have cascading , positive effects on all parties . Specific actions identified in the research include , but are not limited to , the following :
• Hire two additional fulltime equivalent ( FTE ) staff ( or contract with local providers ) to work with Polk County Jail inmates . One ’ s focus would be on providing regular counseling sessions for high-need inmates . The other would coordinate transitions of inmates back into the community upon release by setting up outpatient services prior to release , securing transportation to / from appointments , providing education and support to families , identifying high-risk home environments ( to which inmates would be returning ) that would benefit from additional supportive services , and other tasks . Either FTE may also be available to help respond to crisis events and provide onsite support , as needed . Note that instead of hiring two FTEs , the jail could contract with local outpatient service providers or , for the purpose of counseling , review telehealth options . Note that this approach would also serve the needs of inmates not qualifying for the Helping Hands program .
• Expand the Helping Hands program . The program which co-locates counselors at Polk County Sheriff ’ s Office ( PCSO ) substations has been very successful , yet is understaffed – the demand for services exceeds capacity . In lieu of additional FTEs ( per the previous point ) or as additional FTEs are hired , Helping Hands staff could support transitions of care activities , provide community-based education and training , and / or provide counseling services to incarcerated individuals . Note that for some of these actions , a certified mental health professional may not be required . Some services can be managed by Certified Community Health Workers ( CHWs ) who have had motivational interviewing training and similar experience ( see the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services training program for reference ). 7
• Though not solely a public safety initiative , expand training and certification of peer specialists to provide opportunities to and reduce barriers for individuals who have personal experience with behavioral health or substance misuse services . Doing so also provides a unique style of care to patients either in a community or jail setting . Specifically , engage an organization such as the nationally recognized Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery trainers to provide coaching modules to enable trainees to meet Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credentialing requirements .
• Create an enhanced jail-to-community transition process . Create MOUs among criminal justice system leaders and local providers allowing inmates known to have behavioral health and / or substance use disorders leaving incarceration to be actively engaged with community resource providers ( faith- based organizations , peer support , and outpatient treatment programs ) prior to
• release . Review Specialty Court operations against national best practices . Contact Judge Peggy Davis ( retired National Drug Court expert ) or similar national experts and review the current Polk County Drug Court
7
Note : Some community members suggested that it would be helpful to explore the option of having law enforcement officers being considered “ behavioral health providers ” when they are , indeed , interacting with people exhibiting behavioral health issues . Doing so may more easily allow officers to be aware of the diverse needs of community members requiring Public Safety intervention .
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