County Jail Implements Plan to Reduce Recidivism Rates

WALLA WALLA – Corrections experts say that a large percentage of jail inmates suffer from mental health and/or chemical dependency illnesses which negatively impact their ability to function as contributing citizens.

Walla Walla County Commissioners, the County Corrections Department, and the County Department of Community Health have recently established new programs to provide behavioral health treatment and support for those inmates.

“Having these services made available in the jail is something the Board was interested in, to allow inmates access to potentially life-changing opportunities and assistance that previously was not available. We are very excited about this,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Perry Dozier.

Inmates will now be screened for serious health and behavioral concerns. The screening and subsequent treatment is funded from the 0.1% county sales tax started in 2012 and earmarked for providing new, expanded chemical dependency and mental health treatment services.

Inmates identified as having a serious mental health concern will be evaluated by a mental health professional upon admission and, if needed, will receive treatment throughout their stay. Chemical dependency experts will provide support and treatment for individuals with chemical addictions and mental health professionals will provide counseling, therapy and case management for those with mental illness.

Case management will also help inmates being released back to the community with aid in planning for healthcare, insurance, housing, and social supports, to help prevent them from re-offending.

Michael Bates, Director of the Dept. of Corrections said, “These new initiatives will provide our best opportunity to help our inmates reintegrate with society and reduce the recidivism rates, improving the quality of life in our community and for our former inmates, while also reducing the costs of our criminal justice system.”