The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Forensic Center (OFC) is the sole forensic hospital serving thousands of Oklahomans annually, with only 216 beds. The proposed project expands OFC to provide competency restoration services and placement for those found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity/Mental Illness for all 77 Oklahoma counties, adding 80 additional beds. Also, the ODMHSAS proposes to satisfy bond payments at OFC, allowing for budgeting adjustments to add additional staffing. OFC has a waitlist for service, resulting in delays in timely treatment. While OFC has been in operation, the NGRI/MI population grew from 48 to 143 (roughly 10 years). There has also been a significant increase in referrals for competency restoration services and those referred are in more advanced disease states, impacting length of stay. This demonstrates increased awareness of mental illness within the criminal justice system and a willingness to find more suitable placement and/or treatment for the most vulnerable Oklahomans.

EVIDENCE

Services and practices are informed by both State and Federal standards/laws, Joint Commission, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and several forensic mental health governing boards and committees.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Oklahomans requiring forensic mental health treatment typically present with substantial health needs, criminal justice histories, and advanced mental illness. Being able to provide more rapid stabilization and care increases quality of life and reduces continued trauma, displacement, harm to self and others, and decompensation.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

8. 100 words or less, describe process for measuring project performance. The project performance would include enhanced admissions and treatment of those on the continual waitlist, reduction in overall waiting time for access to treatment, enhanced relationships with Sheriffs and Jails by freeing up their high treatment needs/behavioral beds, reduction in damages to jail staff and property, and improved overall health and wellness of the individuals served.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma