Across the U.S., the shortage of forensic psychiatric bed capacity has resulted in patients being held in jails awaiting psychiatric assessment of whether they are competent to stand trial. These long wait times have exasperated jails and delayed adjudication. The presentation will demonstrate how a collaborative, patient-first approach and supportive environment can improve safety, accelerate the treatment process, and improve overall outcomes through small modifications to the jail setting, integration of medical and mental health service providers, and proactive engagement.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the current shortage of forensic beds and wait times for competency assessment
• Discuss how standard jail housing units fail to address the challenges and considerations for this population
• Describe operational and physical mitigations required to a provide safe, supportive environment while waiting for admission to a forensic unit

Level: Basic