Oklahoma County Advances New Behavioral Care Center for Jail Alternatives

Exciting news for Oklahoma County as plans for a new Behavioral Care Center are moving forward as a potential alternative to jail. This innovative approach aims to provide individuals with mental health issues or substance abuse problems a more suitable environment for treatment and support.

The proposed Behavioral Care Center comes as a response to the growing recognition of the need for specialized care for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. By offering a separate facility dedicated to addressing these specific needs, the hope is to reduce the number of individuals with mental health issues being incarcerated.

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including community advocates and government officials. The center is seen as a proactive step towards addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and providing individuals with the help they need to reintegrate into society successfully.

By focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment, the Behavioral Care Center represents a shift towards a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. This holistic approach recognizes the complex factors that contribute to criminal behavior and aims to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to break the cycle of incarceration.

Overall, the advancement of the new Behavioral Care Center in Oklahoma County signals a promising step towards a more humane and effective approach to addressing mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking initiative as it continues to develop.

Oklahoma County advances new Behavioral Care Center for jail alternativeshttps://t.co/naB92qBg3X

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— KOKH FOX 25 (@OKCFOX) July 31, 2024

Oklahoma County has taken a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues within its criminal justice system by advancing plans for a new Behavioral Care Center. This innovative facility will provide much-needed alternatives to incarceration for individuals with behavioral health needs, offering a more compassionate and effective approach to criminal justice.

What is the Behavioral Care Center?

The Behavioral Care Center is a proposed facility that will offer comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment for individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The center will provide assessment, case management, counseling, medication management, and other services to help individuals address the root causes of their behavior and avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system.

One of the key goals of the Behavioral Care Center is to reduce the number of individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues who are incarcerated in the county jail. By providing targeted treatment and support services, the center aims to break the cycle of incarceration and recidivism for these individuals, ultimately improving public safety and saving taxpayer dollars.

How will the Behavioral Care Center operate?

The Behavioral Care Center will operate as a diversion program, allowing individuals who meet certain criteria to receive treatment and support services instead of being booked into the county jail. Law enforcement officers, judges, and other criminal justice stakeholders will have the option to refer individuals to the center as an alternative to incarceration.

Once at the Behavioral Care Center, individuals will undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their treatment needs. They will then receive individualized care plans that may include counseling, therapy, medication management, and other services to address their behavioral health issues. The center will also provide case management services to help individuals access community resources and support systems to aid in their recovery.

By providing a holistic and client-centered approach to care, the Behavioral Care Center aims to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and help individuals make positive changes in their lives. The ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism rates and improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs.

Why is the Behavioral Care Center needed?

The need for the Behavioral Care Center stems from the recognition that individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of individuals in jails and prisons across the country have a history of mental illness or substance abuse, and many do not receive the treatment they need while incarcerated.

By providing a dedicated facility for individuals with behavioral health needs, Oklahoma County hopes to address this gap in care and provide a more humane and effective approach to criminal justice. The Behavioral Care Center will offer individuals the opportunity to receive treatment and support services in a therapeutic environment, rather than being held in a jail setting where their needs may not be adequately met.

Additionally, the Behavioral Care Center is expected to have a positive impact on the county jail system by reducing overcrowding and improving safety and security for both inmates and staff. By diverting individuals with behavioral health needs to the center, the county can free up resources and space in the jail for individuals who pose a greater risk to public safety.

In conclusion, the advancement of the Behavioral Care Center in Oklahoma County represents a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. By providing alternatives to incarceration and offering comprehensive treatment and support services, the center has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs and enhance public safety in the community.