A new program is launching at the Wake County Detention Center in North Carolina, designed to enhance mental health services for inmates who are not deemed fit to stand trial. This initiative aims to streamline the process of restoring their competency and reduce associated costs.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) shared that the NC RISE Program—short for Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively—will enable inmates to receive necessary treatment while still in the detention center. Traditionally, these individuals have waited for beds at the Central Regional Hospital for psychological evaluation and care. Currently, there are 23 inmates in Wake County awaiting treatment.
Many of these inmates struggle with mental health issues or substance use disorders, which impede their ability to stand trial. With NC RISE, the state hopes to cut costs significantly, down to about one-fifth of what it would typically cost for hospital care. The goal is not just to treat these individuals but to help them reach a state where they can participate in their legal proceedings.
This program has seen success in Mecklenberg and Pitt counties, where average wait times for trial competency were reduced from 140 days to about 50 days. Sheriff Willie Rowe emphasized the importance of prompt hearings for victims as well. He explained that delayed trials prolong the suffering of victims and that quicker resolutions can provide necessary closure.
According to a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 1 in 5 inmates in the U.S. suffers from serious mental illness. This statistic highlights the need for dedicated mental health services within the criminal justice system. Programs like NC RISE could be a part of the solution, helping individuals receive the treatment they need without further complicating the legal process.
If NC RISE proves effective in Wake County, state officials are eager to replicate this program across other areas in North Carolina. The hope is that by improving mental health support in detention centers, more inmates can attain the competency necessary to stand trial, benefitting everyone involved.
As society grapples with the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, programs like NC RISE may represent a crucial step toward a more compassionate and efficient approach to justice.
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