RESOLUTION NO. ______, SERIES 2015
Title
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (NACo) STEPPING UP INITIATIVE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES IN LOCAL JAILS.
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SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS BUTLER AND YATES
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government routinely provides treatment services to an estimated 6000 people with serious mental illnesses or 22% of the individuals booked into jail each year; and
WHEREAS, prevalence rates of serious mental illnesses in jails are three to six times higher than for the general population; and
WHEREAS, almost three-quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co-occurring substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, adults with mental illnesses tend to stay longer in jail and upon release are at a higher risk of recidivism than people without these disorders; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Department of Corrections spends two to three times more on adults with mental illnesses that require intervention compared to those without these treatment needs; and
WHEREAS, without the appropriate treatment and services, people with mental illnesses continue to cycle through the criminal justice system, often resulting in tragic outcomes for these individuals and their families; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government takes pride in its responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare, safety, and quality of life of community residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro has long been viewed as a progressive community with regard to its efforts to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness being housed in the jail; and
WHEREAS, through the Stepping Up initiative, the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation are encouraging public, private and...
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