RESOLUTION - SUPPORTING STEPPING UP INITIATIVE - #2015-21

Home Browse Search

vi; - :=,? I LEE COUNTY Committed Today for a Better Tomorrow RESOLUTION SUPPORTING STEPPING UP INITIATIVE WHEREAS, counties routinely provide treatment services to the estimated two million people with serious mental illnesses booked into jails each year; and, WHEREAS, prevalence rates of serious mental illnesses in jails are three to six times higher than for the general public; and, WHEREAS, almost three-quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co-occurring substance use disorders; and, WHEREAS, adults with mental illnesses tend to stay longer in jail and upon release are at a higher risk of recidivism than people without these disorders; and, WHEREAS, county jails spend two to three times more on adults with mental illnesses that require interventions compared to those without these treatment needs; and, WHEREAS, without the appropriate treatment and services, people with mental illnesses continue to cycle through the criminal justice system, often resulting in tragic outcomes for these individuals and their families; and, WHEREAS, without the appropriate treatment and services, people with mental illnesses continue to cycle through the criminal justice system, often resulting in tragic outcomes for these individuals and their families; and WHEREAS, through the Stepping Up Initiative, the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Foundation are encouraging public, private and non-profit partners to help reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lee County Board of Commissioners hereby signs on to the Call to Action to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our County jail and commit to sharing lessons learned with other counties. APPROVED this 17th day of August 2015. ATTEST: ay ell . Lee, Clerk to t e Board Amy M. Dalrymple, Chair Lee County Board of Commissioners