The Mental Health Network was established in 2009 with the generous support of the National Institute of Corrections. It is a national network of professionals employed by the 50 individual states, the five largest, urban jails and the Federal Bureau of Prisons who direct Mental Health Services and Programs in each jurisdiction’s Department of Corrections. Providing effective mental health services within correctional settings requires special expertise because of the unique needs of the offender population, the correctional environment and the challenges to professionals in blending treatment, security, and a rehabilitative/recovery perspective.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Mental Health Network (MHN) is to help define, support, and advance the field of correctional mental health services through research, training and dissemination of knowledge concerning evidenced-based, innovative, and best practices in the field.
MEMBERSHIP
Eligibility: Each state, large, urban jail and the Bureau of Prisons may designate one representative to serve on MHN. MHN members must be public employees who are responsible for oversight and delivery of mental health treatment services for their jurisdiction’s correctional system.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND WORKGROUPS
MHN maintains a number of standing committees and workgroups for the purpose of achieving its mission and sustaining the organization.
ANNUAL MEETING
The Network shall have an annual meeting whose purposes are:
· Provide a forum for reports of workgroup progress since the prior meeting.
· Networking.
· Continuing education.
· To set a work plan to be accomplished prior to the next annual meeting.
· Allow for discussion of on-going significant or emerging cross-jurisdictional issues.
Members unable to attend the annual meeting in person will be included through technological means as feasible. Substitutions for attending the annual meeting by anyone other than a jurisdiction’s designated MHN representative shall not be allowed unless there is a significant extenuating circumstances. Any substitution must be approved by NIC.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
MHN members do not represent NIC and may not portray themselves as either speaking on behalf of or taking any role as representative of NIC.
For additional information, please contact Anita Grant, CAPT, USPHS, Corrections Health Manager - National Institute of Corrections, at APollard@bop.gov.