Plus, now that we know K has bi-polar and some other issues, we can treat that. I sometimes look back at his childhood and wonder if some of his behaviors were actually an attempt to self medicate. I just hope he doesn't have to take any meds that mess up his personality or mind, just that stabilize his issues.
Recovery (MIOCR) Court
Funded by a grant obtained by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department through the Mentally Ill Offenders Crime Reduction Act (MIOCR), the Recovery Court is a voluntary program for misdemeanor offenders suffering from chronic and persistent mental illness.
The participants must have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, or major depressive disorder.
The program provides participants with psychiatric services which may be initiated in the jail. Once the offender is released from custody they are provided with on-going psychiatric services and mental health counseling, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, residential treatment, and assistance in accessing medical services, employment counseling, job training and placement, government benefits, and housing.
The program involves frequent court appearances, regular drug and alcohol testing, meetings with the Recovery Court support team, and direct access to specialized services.
6 comments:
Thanks for the info, it sounds like a great program!
Be glad they didn't treat Keven at a younger age. Those drugs are not tested on children and there have been some very sad stories with their use. I hope he can benefit from the program he is in. I would love for you to have your son back.
Mike, yes it is. The people that are involved are there because of their passion to help.
Lacey, good point. I am nervous about the "mental illness" aspect of all this but mainly its depression and anxiety. I am not sure about bi-polar or OCD but I just don't want him all drugged out on ANY drugs, prescribed or not.
I think there should be a recovery court nationwide-and now just for misdemeanors. There are so many people in the jail/prison system that have mental illnesses that it would only benefit everyone involved.
I suffered from terrible anxiety attacks when I first moved out of my parents house. I outgrew them eventually without any kind of medication although the dr prescribed it. Then there weren't as many as now, but I didn't want to have to take something every day to be able to cope with life. I found a good therapist for a very short time and just growing older seemed to make things level out.
This program is lovingly just called 'drug court'. It's not easy to adhere to all the requirements, in fact, it's really tough. But if he stays clean...it's a hell of a lot better than spending the time in jail.
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