Over the past several years, Virginia has seen its share of mass shootings, targeted killings, high-profile suicides, and a growing number of crimes all associated with both mental health and criminal justice.
To address what some have labeled an epidemic, the state has created a new Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. And, it’s a means to streamline and coordinate resources and services.
This center is the work of a task force that started off with 25 recommendations that ultimately will expand access to mental health services, improve quality of those services, and strengthen administration. Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Victoria Cochran says the plan is to hit the ground running in the first 12 months.
“What the plan for the center is, quite honestly, is to take this first year, work with resources that we already have, see if we are able to utilize them effectively without any funding – and that includes looking at how jobs are being done in, for instance, the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Behavioral Health.”
The Center will conduct education, outreach and training, pursue evidence-based practices, and provide technical assistance and resource development. The goal is to help improve Virginia’s mental health crisis services and help PREVENT crises from developing. The first of a series of quarterly meetings is scheduled for November, when leaders from 25 to 30 agencies will discuss strategies and pool resources. The first annual report will be submitted by next July.