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Peoria County jail mental health staff report 272 detainees, highlight reentry and limited treatment resources
Summary
Mental health staff at the Peoria County Jail reported 272 detainees, with 151 individuals prescribed psychotropic medication; staff described reentry successes, a small MAT program, and limits in external inpatient resources and housing supports.
Dr. Bernice Gordon Young, site manager for mental health at the Peoria County Jail, and reentry case manager Andrew Cruz provided an update on services and outcomes.
Staff reported 272 detainees at the time of the presentation and said 151 of those detainees were prescribed psychotropic medication. They said only one person in the jail was enrolled in the jail’s MAT (medication-assisted treatment) program; county policy requires enrollment in MAT prior to incarceration for jail-based MAT to apply. The presenters emphasized a high prevalence of substance-use disorders, mental-health needs and homelessness among detainees and described efforts to provide individual and group counseling, case management and practical supports (IDs, birth certificates, driver’s licenses) to reduce recidivism.
Cruz said 60 individuals signed up for the reentry program, 25 graduated and 3 reoffended and returned to custody; staff characterized follow-up services after release as key to success. Dr. Gordon Young said staff attempt rapid response to requests, including seeing detainees within 24 hours when possible, and provide training to correctional staff on suicide prevention and risk assessment.
Staffers said limited external resources — especially for homelessness and inpatient treatment when detainees have been in custody 30–60 days — constrain post-release placement options. The presentation was informational; no board action was requested.
