Shawnee County is taking significant steps to address mental health issues within its criminal justice system, as highlighted in a recent commission work session. The county's initiative aims to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness entering jails, a pressing concern given that over two million people with mental health conditions are booked into jails across the nation each year.

During the meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a new dashboard designed to track progress and measure the effectiveness of their strategies. This tool will help set clear goals, such as reducing jail bookings for individuals with mental illness by 25%. The dashboard will provide transparency to the community, showcasing the county's efforts and outcomes in real-time.

The county's commitment to improving mental health services is underscored by partnerships with local organizations. For instance, two mental health therapists will be stationed within the corrections department to provide immediate support for individuals in crisis. Additionally, a collaboration with the organization Mirror will facilitate assessments for those entering the jail, ensuring they receive necessary services promptly.

Data presented during the meeting revealed a concerning trend: the percentage of jail bookings classified as seriously mentally ill (SMI) has increased from 10% to 26% over the past year. However, there is also positive news; the average length of stay for SMI inmates has decreased from 62 days to approximately 30 days, indicating progress in managing mental health within the jail system.

The Shawnee County Stepping Up initiative, which began in 2021, emphasizes a community-wide approach to tackling these challenges. Officials stressed that reducing the number of individuals with mental illness in jail requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including mental health providers and community organizations.

As the county moves forward, the focus remains on achieving measurable results and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mental health issues. The dashboard will serve as a vital tool in this ongoing effort, allowing the community to track progress and hold the county accountable for its commitments.