It probably happens a lot of places, but it definitely is happening here in Helena, Montana. Residents enjoy little crime, and the ability to do things like leave cars and homes unlocked. We have a low population, and enjoy the right to bear arms. Past that, folks don't seem to want to talk about the existence of violent crime and abuses of all kinds, including domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, and especially sexual abuse. This needs to change.
The people that are involved in anti-stigma campaigning (mental health) are already on board. This is similar to our volunteer pool. We have a great group of people who really care about others and want to help others, and recognize the need for mental health services. How do we get new people that don't think about mental health as being a part of the overall good of the community?
Perhaps we start with discussing what is important about it. What's in it for me?
Let's talk about your pocketbook. Does it bother you that people steal from you? How about when they steal from local stores, and prices are higher to adjust for the theft. Do you enjoy paying for brick and mortar to house more criminals every year? They get food, clothing, and shelter at your expense. Had you thought about it? Is it worth it just to get these people off the streets, or would it be better for them to be PRODUCTIVE members of society, caring for themselves and their family members. Their work could potentially contribute to the local economy in a powerful way.
According to Dr. Grohol of PsychCentral.com*, over half (55%) of males in state prison have mental health issues. For women, it is even higher, 73%! There is generally very little treatment available. In Minnesota, things got better with a mental health court in place, as evidenced by a 20-25% improvement in offender outcomes.
I'm not suggesting that criminals not serve time for their crimes. I'm just saying that if people are LOOKING for problems within their coworkers and friends, and being open about talking about mental health issues, then folks would be more likely to seek out treatment before they get involved in illegal activities that violate your rights and mine. Sweeping it all under the rug just makes it worse and more costly in the long run.
For example, I recently sat in on a hearing for youth offenders. First on the docket was a youth who has been sexually molesting girls 10 years younger than he. The judge altered the order of the cases so that no one would have to hear the molestation case. Why not? Who was there that would be so offended? Also, did you know that sex offender (SO) treatment is ONLY available at youth prison such as Pine Hills? I believe it is the same for adults. These people are not going to be locked up and have their keys lost. They get released, and no treatment is available, without private pay (they have to pay for it outright).
Montana Sexual Offender Treatment Association
Fresh Steps EAP is actively participating in High-Fidelity Wraparound through Montana's PRTF Waiver. This program looks at children between the ages of 6 and 18 for risk of being placed in residential treatment. If they are at risk, they enter the program and receive High-Fidelity Wraparound services that have been shown to reduce negative behaviors to include crime. The reason it works is because professional and non-professional team members alike, both collaborate and integrate their services. Agencies standing alone cannot create the powerful outcomes simply because they are not connected to the community. Why? This is where we live, and everyone needs to be 'plugged in' to the community for needed resources. This means that eventually families will learn to be independent and no need professional services.
If it costs $100K per year to treat a youth in a residential treatment facility, then it may cost over $1M to treat this child over the course of over 10 years. Why not spend the money up front, and get the family and youth back in the community? Much cheaper. Much better for everyone.
For more information about High-Fidelity Wraparound, please visit:
Vroon VanDenBerg
National Wraparound Initiative
and for more about
Montana's PRTF Waiver
*http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/07/18/imprisoning-people-with-mental-illness/
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