Jackson County has renewed an agreement to help meet mental health needs in the Jackson County Jail. Commissioners approved the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between Jackson County and Gulf Bend Center, who has long provided the services to the county.
The Jail In Reach Program is meant to help preserve the civil rights of those with mental health conditions who are awaiting trial in the Jackson County Jail, and to provide the care they need while incarcerated.
“Individuals have a constitutional right to participate in their defense during a criminal trial,” said Jackson County Judge Jill Sklar. “Unfortunately, there are times when a judge determines that a defendant is incompetent to stand trial, necessitating a period of competency restoration before the case can proceed.”
Ideally, for many, this restoration would happen in an inpatient setting, but state hospitals are often unavailable.
“A significant challenge faced by jails in Texas, including Jackson County, is the lengthy waitlist for admission to state hospitals, where inmates often undergo more intensive mental health treatment,” said Sklar. “To address this issue locally, a few years ago, we partnered with Gulf Bend, our local mental health authority, to initiate the restorative process within our community.”
The memorandum of understanding between Jackson County and Gulf Bend allows for comprehensive mental health services, according to Sklar.
“These services include mental health assessments, counseling, therapy, medication management, and educational programs,” she said. “This initiative has significantly expedited the restoration of competency for several inmates, allowing their cases to move forward.
This MOU outlines each of our obligations and expectations regarding the program, ensuring that we continue to provide essential support to our inmates and uphold their constitutional rights.”
