Shockingly, mental health disorders has become a crime. The problem is multifaceted and begins with initial contact with law enforcement, progresses through the court systems, and into the prisons. The founder of NHMH, Todd Olshefski, first became aware of this issue in a federal prison. He discovered that our current judicial system only allows the mentally ill to be released on parole or probation to a mental health care facility. Treatment facilities are few and far between, extremely overcrowded, and largely ineffective. As Phil Power says in his news column it not only gives no form of treatment but cost the tax payers millions. Here is another report about the problems NHMH is helping to solve.
This leads to prison sentences being extended while the inmate is waiting for placement and then, once released, he faces woefully inadequate short-term treatment. No wonder so many end up back in jail--and the vicious cycle continues.
The mission of Network Homes Mental Health Corp. (NHMH) is to break the cycle and give the mentally ill a second chance at life ? to teach them to live with their illness, and to become productive citizens.
Currently, there are ten prison facilities in Idaho. Each has an average of 150 inmates that have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness and it is likely that many more go undiagnosed. NHMH has created a multi-level, long-term treatment program unlike most national treatment programs, which are an average of 54 days. At NHMH, the first level of treatment is over 365 days. Furthermore, Founder and CEO Todd Olshefski has gathered an experienced team with over 30 years of experience in the mental health industry.
In addition, he is in negotiations with one of the largest mental health service groups in Idaho as well as various human and civil rights groups who are interested in the NHMH solution to the mentally ill including The Idaho Prison Watch of Idaho, founded by Connie Molen.
At present, Todd is speaking with Dave Evans Construction Company to build the first facility in the Boise area with projected ground breaking in the spring of 2012. Todd has been in contact with the prisons and justice system to establish qualified candidates for treatment. To be eligible, an inmate has to have been diagnosed by the mental health court system, have a non-violent criminal record, and be up for parole or probation.
The ultimate objective is to decriminalize mental illness. Statics show that 46% of the nation?s prisons are filled with those having a form of mental illness.
The benefits to society are enormous ? from job creation and the use of local resources to relieving pressure on the court systems to helping to solve the problem of overpopulated and overburdened prisons.
As this revolutionary program is perfected here in Idaho, it will serve as a prototype for similar programs across the country. Already the spark has been lit in several states. The ?Boise Model? is leading the way! Please visit us at http://www.nhmh.net for more statics from the Department of Justice and to show your support for Network Homes Mental Health Corp.
For Donations Visit http://m.give.mobi/network-homes-mental-health-corp/give If you wish to start locating more details about how the justice system is treating the mentally ill go to these following links:
News Story In Albany
Prison Law Offices
ACLU JOINS THE FIGHT!
Get Them Out Of Prisons
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