NAMI Minnesota Legislative Update – Oct. 5, 2014
Offenders with Mental Illnesses Workgroup Continues
The legislatively mandated "Offenders with Mental Illnesses" workgroup held its second
meeting this week. The group is tasked with looking at ways to better serve people with
mental illnesses who are arrested or subjected to arrest. This week's meeting looked at best
practices and areas for systemic improvement when someone is experiencing a mental health
crisis up and may be interacting with the police.
Much of the discussion focused on the need for more mental health crisis services - both
mobile mental health crisis teams and residential crisis stabilization services. The group also
discussed the need for police to have training on mental health and de-escalation techniques
as well as the importance of fostering understanding, connections, and collaboration between
law enforcement and community mental health services (including crisis services). A small
group will meet next week to discuss these issues in greater detail and formulate specific
recommendations.
The full group will meet again at the end of October to review those recommendations and
begin discussing issues related to the court process and jails. The group is being co-chaired by
the Department of Human Services and NAMI Minnesota and will issue a report with
recommendations to the Legislature in early January.
New Report Released on School Resource Officers
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Programs recently released a report entitled
Law Enforcement in Minnesota Schools: A Statewide Survey of School Resource Officers
It's the first-of-its-kind study on the prevalence and roles of School Resource Officers (SROs)
who work in Minnesota schools. Data collected in 2013 reveal that 36 percent of Minnesota
law enforcement agencies employ more than 300 full- or part-time SROs-these officers serve
in 28 percent of Minnesota's public schools.
Report findings are based on a comprehensive survey of over 200 SROs which highlight SROs'
training and experience; their roles and duties in schools; their perceived impact on school
safety; and the strengths and challenges of school-law enforcement partnerships. The
opinions and perspectives of SROs are prominently featured in this report related to additional
training needs, working with special education students, and issues such as zero tolerance
policies in schools. The report culminates in recommendations on how to improve the quality
and consistency of SRO programs statewide.
Interesting "data bites" includes:
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The majority of the officers are white men
Over 48% possess a 4 year degree or higher
88% have been officers for more than five years
Over half indicate their position is time-limited or rotating
The memorandum of understandings were unlikely to include policies related to when
youth should be questioned or detained or have pat downs or searches
Less than half reported receiving training on child development, youth brain
development or the effect of trauma
Training doesn't often include topics such as mediation, de-escalation
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They expressed interest in learning more about special education, EBD and youth
mental health
SROs who primarily identify as law enforcement officers are more likely to support
zero tolerance policies
The report contains many excellent recommendations including
1) Law enforcement agencies should appoint only those officers who actively wish to work with
youth in a school setting to the position of SRO. The length of the assignment should be long
enough to allow officers to establish positive working relationships and learn the unique
nuances of working in this environment. If possible, other duties in the department should be
limited or reasonably allocated to allow sufficient time to serve schools.
2) All schools and law enforcement agencies should have a Memorandum of Understanding in
place that clearly states the roles and duties of SROs. MOUs should address many issues that
can potentially cause strain between law enforcement and schools including the SRO's role in
school discipline, illegal conduct, search and seizure, interrogations, and parental notification.
Minnesota ought to create a template MOU that can be modified by schools and law
enforcement agencies, but which identifies all the essential elements of MOUs to protect
officers and schools from legal liability and reduce role ambiguity.
3) SROs should feel that they are well trained and adequately prepared to work in schools.
This includes pre-service training and ongoing education related to youth and school-related
issues. In addition to training on the unique safety and security needs in schools, SROs should
be trained in youth and adolescent development and psychology, mental health and trauma,
special education, counseling and mentoring, and working with families. Minnesota should
consider the creation of a standard SRO training curriculum or certification to ensure all SROs
have baseline knowledge and skills in these areas.
4) Establishing and preserving relationships is an essential element in the success of SRO
programs. These relationships are developed organically but can be protected by clear
communication and cross-training. SROs should have the opportunity to attend certain
trainings for educators, especially those related to behavior management and working with
special education students. Reciprocally, school administrators and staff should be educated in
the role of SROs in schools and legal limitations for officers.
5) A goal of SRO programs should be to work in a prevention capacity to address the
conditions in schools that give rise to crime or vulnerability. The role of SROs in the
enforcement of school rules or codes of conduct should be minimal. Whenever possible, SROs
and schools should work together to be sure that the use of formal, justice-system response is
limited to illegal acts that pose a true threat to public safety. The creation of informal and
formal diversion opportunities, use of restorative justice techniques, and positive school
climate initiatives can potentially reduce the number of Minnesota youth entering the justice
system for school-related issues.
6) Finally, little has been done in Minnesota to evaluate the impact or effectiveness of
law enforcement in schools. The state should explore data collection strategies that measure
changes to school disciplinary incidents, referrals to law enforcement, and other school climate
indicators based on the presence of SROs. Data evaluation and research should be grounded
in scientific method, have objective outcome measures, and account for other factors
potentially influencing school safety and crime.
Not sure who represents you?
SAMHSA Announces 2015-2018 Strategic Plan
"Leading Change 2.0: Advancing the Behavioral Health of the Nation"
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced its new
strategic plan outlining how the agency will continue to increase awareness and understanding
of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, promote emotional health and wellness,
promote the prevention of substance use disorders and mental illnesses, increase access to
effective treatment, and support recovery. Over the next four years SAMHSA will be expanding
its focus on health systems integration to address the treatment needs of persons with mental
illnesses and substance use disorders.
SAMHSA's plan, titled Leading Change 2.0, outlines six Strategic Initiatives for
meeting SAMHSA's mission, new and existing goals, and vision. These Strategic Initiatives
include:
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Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness
Health Care and Health Systems Integration
Trauma and Justice
Recovery Support
Health Information Technology
Workforce Development
Leading Change 2.0 will also guide SAMHSA in:
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Setting budget and policy priorities
Managing key investments such as grant, contracts, technical assistance and expertise
Engaging public and private partners at every level
Tracking and disseminating progress
This strategic plan was developed by SAMHSA's Executive Leadership Team and staff, in
partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders, and with input from the public.
Learn more here.
Source: SAMHSA
Take the Survey!
Our nation's health care system is changing dramatically. Major changes are happening in
mental health care with the new health insurance marketplaces and the final parity rule
requiring mental illness to be treated on equal terms with physical illness. Because these
changes are so important, NAMI wants to understand how they affect your health insurance
coverage.
That's where you come in.
Take this survey on behalf of yourself or your loved ones in need of mental health and/or
substance use care. It should take about 15-30 minutes.
Spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, and colleagues. Post the link on your
Facebook or Twitter! The more responses we get, the stronger NAMI's advocacy will be.
Deadline to take the survey is Oct. 17.
Mental Health Day on the Hill 2015 will be on Thursday, March 12