A local man who has a history of criminal behavior was released from the Barton County Detention Facility last fall and is taking steps to turn his life around.
He credits a new local mental-health resource for some of his success. The Jail Program is administered by The Center for Counseling & Consultation. Its goal is to provide access to mental-health services for inmates.
When the man first learned of the Jail Program he “had some misgivings. I didn’t think it would help. But I was far out there and the voices said” not to participate.
Nevertheless, he ultimately decided to give it a try. Today, his goal is long-term sobriety and “to function as a normal human.”
He also wants to “stay meaningfully employed, which means continuing working a job that fits my life, staying sober and staying on my medications.”
This former inmate was most recently incarcerated because of a probation violation; his record includes violent and non-violent crimes.
Brenda Slagle, The Center’s Jail Program liaison, noted that “it is important for anyone who needs mental-health care to have access to it. Those who have criminal backgrounds deserve to tap into our local resources in an effort to enhance their lives.”
The program began last summer and already about 260 inmates have taken advantage of the services. This number represents about one-third of the people incarcerated since the beginning of the program, which is strictly voluntary.
“Most participants are reporting positive therapy sessions,” Slagle said. “We also offer case management and, when appropriate, they receive medical-assisted treatment from The Center’s medical staff. Upon their release, we follow-up with them to see how they are doing and checking in to see if they are keeping appointments.”
Sgt. Doug Parks, jail administrator, is part of the team that offers this service. The group meets in person monthly but stays in regular contact.
“A program like this is always worth a try to help make things better for inmates while they are here and after their release,” Parks said. “They are using the program and we are seeing positive changes.
“The majority of the inmates receiving services are not displaying the behavioral issues we generally encounter,” he explained. “Since there aren’t as many behavioral issues as in the past, the staff benefits too.”
Shionta Gray, The Center’s director of Community Support Services, provided the list of questions asked of inmates. They are:
• Do you currently believe that someone can control your mind by putting thoughts into your heard or taking thoughts out of your head?
• Do you currently feel that other people know your thoughts and can read your mind?
• Have you currently lost or gained as much as two pounds a week without even trying?
• Have you or your family or friends noticed that you are currently much more active than you usually are?
• Do you currently feel like you have to talk or move more slowly than you usually do?
• Have there currently been a few weeks when you felt like you were useless or sinful?
• Are you currently taking any medication prescribed for you by a physician for any emotional or mental-health problems?
• Have you ever been in a hospital for emotional or mental-health problems?
“The questions are part of the booking-in process,” Gray said. “We want to reduce recidivism and stop the revolving door at the jail.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
