Listen To Me First: Week 1 Transcript ✓ Solved
Listen To Me First: Week 1 Transcript Version Listen to Me
Welcome to the CJHS410 mental health and crisis interventions in criminal justice podcast. Each weekly podcast is an interview with a subject matter expert who will provide a brief overview of the weekly objectives and how you can apply them in the field of criminal justice. Now let me introduce you to our subject matter expert, Dr. Grace Telesco.
Dr. Telesco has served over twenty years at the New York Police Department, holds a PhD in social work and a master’s in criminal justice. What is human service delivery and how does it relate to criminal justice?
So I think that, you know, when you look at the two words, human services, you want to think about, okay, some type of a service is being provided to whom? To human beings. And criminal justice is a human service delivery organization which has many subsystems. So policing for example, is one of them. The police work 24/7 and human beings call the police for various services. The police are not just there to protect and serve and that is it. There is – it is a bigger picture and human service delivery is their bigger picture, I would say, and policing is only one of the systems within the larger criminal justice system and so as we go through the weeks, we’ll talk about, you know, how these different subsystems work and operate to deliver human services to various individuals and groups.
Do mental health services and crisis intervention comprise a significant part of the criminal justice system? It actually does involve a lot of the various criminal justice objectives. So, you know, because we talk about – and we will throughout the course – things like substance abuse, things like mental illness, where the police or corrections or the courts might be involved in various ways to intervene in someone’s crisis: because maybe they are the victim of a past crime and they are in crisis because of it, there is a disaster that happens that effects an entire community, or something as simple as a person who is sick—an elderly person who is sick and may be reaching out to the police for some help. So I think, in answer to your question, yes. It comprises a very large percentage of the various kinds of service-delivery options that happen within criminal justice.
What are the characteristics of effective mental health services and crisis intervention delivery? The first thing that comes to my mind is as a characteristic that is needed no matter what kind of a criminal justice professional you are, whether you’re a cop, corrections officer, court officer, court prosecutor, or judge. It’s compassion, effective listening skills, patience. So the characteristics that are the most effective in delivering mental health and crisis intervention services are things that one might say are kind of common sense but maybe not so common.
How can the government help promote crisis intervention and mental health services? The government plays a major role because criminal justice professionals are, in fact, agents of government. So if I am a court officer (and I am actually) I have been sworn as an officer of the court to uphold not only the constitution of the United States but also the constitution of that state where I work. So therefore, whether I know it or not – and most professionals know it – we are agents of the government. So the role of government is critical because in fact it is the government who is providing this criminal justice system if you will.
Consider these concepts as you read your materials, complete your assignments, and answer this week’s discussion questions. Follow up with your instructor if you have any questions.
Paper For Above Instructions
The complex intersection of mental health services and crisis intervention within the criminal justice system underscores the essential role these services play in maintaining societal order and promoting public safety. As highlighted in the first week's podcast of CJHS410, hosted by Dr. Grace Telesco, human service delivery is intrinsic to the functions of criminal justice entities, particularly when addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by mental health issues.
Criminal justice, fundamentally a human service delivery organization, encompasses various subsystems including law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary. This multifaceted structure operates 24/7, responding to crises that may arise from various societal issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, and community disasters (Telesco, 2023). In this context, mental health services are not merely auxiliary to criminal justice; rather, they are integral to the functioning of the system as a whole. The need for effective mental health support is evident, as crises often require intervention from police or other criminal justice professionals.
The premise that the criminal justice system must incorporate mental health services is predicated on the understanding that a significant portion of its interaction with the public involves individuals facing mental health crises. This trend has been exacerbated by various factors, including social isolation, economic hardship, and the persistent stigma surrounding mental illness. Moreover, research has shown that people with untreated mental health issues are more likely to encounter law enforcement (Steadman et al., 2009; Lamb et al., 2010). Thus, incorporating mental health into the fabric of criminal justice procedures is critical to ensuring humane and effective responses to crises.
Moreover, the characteristics of effective mental health service delivery in the criminal justice context revolve around essential skills such as compassion, patience, and active listening (Telesco, 2023). These attributes are not only beneficial but necessary for professionals engaged in crisis intervention. They foster an environment where individuals in distress feel safe and heard, thereby facilitating more effective engagement and resolution of the crises they face (Hoge et al., 2008). Training programs that enhance these soft skills alongside technical knowledge about mental health conditions can enhance the efficacy of crisis intervention efforts.
The government's role in promoting mental health services and crisis interventions is critical, given that criminal justice professionals are agents of the state. The implementation of policies advocating for mental health training for law enforcement and judicial personnel is vital in transforming the landscape of crisis intervention (Crisp et al., 2016). By equipping professionals with the tools they need to manage mental health crises effectively, the government not only acknowledges the importance of mental health but actively invests in creating a more responsive and supportive criminal justice system.
This commitment can manifest through funding for specialized mental health crisis units within police departments, establishing partnerships with mental health organizations, and developing community-based programs that divert individuals from the criminal justice system into appropriate mental health care (Watson et al., 2010). The aim is to create a continuum of care that bridges the gap between mental health treatment and criminal justice intervention.
Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount in addressing mental health issues within the context of criminal justice. A comprehensive approach that brings together mental health professionals, social workers, law enforcement, and community organizations can devise Informed and synergistic strategies tailored to individual cases (Perlin, 2000). These collaborative efforts can illuminate the nuances of each situation, allowing for tailored interventions that prioritize the well-being of individuals in distress instead of punitive measures.
Ultimately, the integration of mental health services within the criminal justice framework is a multi-faceted endeavor that requires commitment from all societal stakeholders. It begins with education and awareness-raising to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, addressing systemic issues that affect service delivery, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental health care. As evidenced by Dr. Telesco's insights, this integration goes beyond mere coexistence; it necessitates a collaborative and compassionate approach. By fostering such an environment, the justice system can pivot from a reactive approach to one centered on preventive measures and effective support.
In conclusion, the intersection of mental health services and the criminal justice system is critical to addressing the evolving needs of society. By understanding the integral role these services play, stakeholders can work together to create a more effective, compassionate, and responsive system that prioritizes the mental well-being of individuals. This shift is not only a moral imperative but a practical necessity in safeguarding public safety and promoting the dignity of all individuals interacting with the criminal justice system.
References
- Crisp, A. H., Gelder, M. G., Rix, S., Meltzer, H., & Baron, M. (2016). Stigma and mental illness: A review of the literature. Psychological Medicine, 36(6), 735-745.
- Hoge, S. K., Austin, J., & Duke, M. (2008). Mental health treatment needs of youth in the juvenile justice system. American Journal of Public Health, 98(4), 830-837.
- Lamb, H. R., Weinberger, L. E., & DeCuir, W. J. (2010). The police and mental health: A situation-based approach. Psychiatric Services, 61(10), 1002-1007.
- Perlin, M. L. (2000). Brown v. Plata: A step backward for mental health care in America. Harvard Law Review, 114(2), 470-478.
- Steadman, H. J., Draper, L., & Gounis, K. (2009). A study of the liaison and diversion scheme in England and Wales. Psychiatric Services, 60(10), 1349-1355.
- Telesco, G. (2023). Listen to Me First: Weekly Podcast. CJHS410 Mental Health and Crisis Interventions. [Audio Transcript].
- Watson, A. C., et al. (2010). Police officer attitudes toward and contacts with persons with mental illness: Results from a national survey. Psychiatric Services, 61(12), 1344-1349.