TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Shawnee County Division of Corrections is asking county leaders to pay for a challenge its says would assist higher meet the psychological well being wants of its jail inmates.
Shawnee County of Division of Corrections Director Brian Cole is about to deal with the county commissioner this week to suggest the development of a psychological well being dwelling unit on the jail.
In 2021 and 2022, Cole says 51% of Shawnee County inmates reported experiencing issues with their psychological well being. He says as a result of the jail doesn’t presently have correct psychological well being amenities, this proposed unit is essential to inmates’ general well being.
This new unit would concentrate on considerations like treatment, remedy and group remedy. These providers may assist inmates transition again into the group submit launch. Cole says it’s vital to supply inmates with these sources as a result of they’ve a proper to remedy identical to everybody else.
“There are folks that have high-risk wants, and simply because they’re in jail doesn’t imply that stops, stated Cole. “We have now not solely an moral obligation, however a authorized obligation to supply enough care and providers.”
Cole estimates this psychological well being unit may value the county greater than $10 million within the type of reserved county bonds. He’s additionally working with the state and federal congressional delegation for extra authorities funding.
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If permitted, this challenge is anticipated to be accomplished in about two years.
