Solving the Competency Dilemma -Incarceration MP3

In many states, people with mental illnesses charged with misdemeanors or minor felonies are being held unnecessarily in jails because they have been found incompetent to proceed in their criminal cases. This is a significant contributor to the inappropriate criminalization of people with mental illness and also diverts funding away from mental health treatment. Using an important settlement in a Washington State based legal case as a focal point, this workshop will describe how we have reached this point of crisis and discuss strategies that can be used to reduce incarceration and link people with needed services and supports. Sue Abderholden, MPH; Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota; St. Paul, MN Kim Mosolf, JD; Director of Treatment Facilities Program, Disability Rights Washington; Seattle, WA Ron Honberg, JD; Former Senior Policy Advisor, NAMI; Arlington, VA (Moderator)