Across the nation and within Travis County, a disproportionate number of individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders end up in jail instead of getting the mental health treatment and support they need.
The Travis County Commissioners Court has partnered with mental health experts at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin to convene a wide range of community partners to address this problem by rethinking – and ultimately redesigning – the local intersection of criminal legal, and behavioral health systems. The goal of the effort, known as the Travis County Forensic Mental Health Project, is to establish solutions rooted in person-centered and evidence-based care for people stuck at or repeatedly cycling through this intersection.
Steering Committee meetings began in May 2022. The project is currently evaluating existing systems and through established working groups addressing specific system changes that can lead to possible solutions. By March 2023, the group will provide recommendations to the County Commissioners for implementation. Once complete, the group hopes this work will provide a scalable, replicable model of care for the nation’s mental health system.
On This Page
February 2023 Outcomes
Since last year, this coalition has been diligently working together to develop viable recommendations aimed at improving how we as leaders address mental health and the overall well-being of all Travis County residents. Through their collective expertise and commitment, they have strived to improve our existing response system and have provided
We invite you to explore this page and witness the positive transformations unfolding as we collectively strive to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Diversion Center
Learn more about the new diversion center that will serve as a safe space for individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. It aims to redirect these individuals away from hospitals and jails, providing them with the support and resources necessary for their needs.
Full Report
Learn more about the comprehensive report from the Mental Health Forensic Planning Committee outlining valuable recommendations derived from extensive discussions and analysis. Gain deeper insights into their dedication, insights, and proposed strategies.
For additional information or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive community that values and supports the well-being of all its members.
Declaring the Problem
The problem in the “intersection” of mental health and criminal justice systems:
People become trapped in or cycling through jail waiting for behavioral health services and solutions.
Planning Principles
- North Star: “People First”: The needs of the people stuck in the behavioral health/criminal justice intersection, including crime victims, supplant the individual aims of the planners.
- We will correct sociodemographic inequities.
- We will make decisions by consensus, based on data, best evidence- and strength-based practices.
- We will hold conversations that are respectful, open-minded and results-oriented.
- We will build from and collaborate with existing groups focused on the intersection, including gaining as much community input as feasible while balancing a timely response.
Person Centered Approach
- Using individual examples in order to put context to the data and keep “person first” principle.
- Highlighting why individuals get “stuck in jail” or cycle through jail, and the impact it can have on their well-being.
Planning Vision
Jail is not used as a treatment, a holding space, or solution for mental health or substance abuse conditions. Behavioral health conditions are treated through clinical care and social supports.
Steering Committee Members
Workgroups
There are 8 specialized workgroups, each with its own charge. Together, they are working on the common goal to create actionable, fundable, person-centered recommendations which focus on the project goal in relation to each respective workgroup’s role.
Members are encouraged to keep in mind any socioeconomic inequities in successful re-entry and jail prevention and attempt to address those with recommendations, if possible.
Adjudication
This workgroup is reviewing the current adjudication options and necessary programs and services for certain adjudication options.
Alternatives to Competency Restoration
This workgroup is focusing on the current available alternatives to competency restoration.
Central Booking
The focus of this workgroup is the process of a person going through central booking. They are also evaluating the systems and processes used in central booking to find ways to more effectively and efficiently divert and connect people with unmet mental or behavioral health needs, such as current technology.
In Jail Interventions
The workgroup’s focus is on programs and services available to people in jail to address their mental health needs. They are focusing on peer support and suicide prevention within the jail.
Law Enforcement Interaction & Arrest
The workgroup’s focus is on the initial interaction a person has with law enforcement and potential alternatives to arrest.
Legal Representation
The focus of this group is the point when a person is assigned legal representation and whether there is room for earlier assignment.
Mental Health Evaluation
The group is focusing on any of the evaluations or assessments given to people throughout the arrest, booking, and jail process.
Successful Re-Entry & Jail Prevention
This workgroup is focusing on how to ensure someone who is being released from jail with mental health needs is connected to the right community resources.
