Oct. 29, 2021: The Office of Behavioral Health's Forensic Service Team (FST) is forging ahead with its goal of establishing Regional Care Rings in 2021. These collectives of regional providers and agencies will be responsible for collaborating to improve services for competency-involved individuals with behavioral health needs; traumatic brain injuries; and neurocognitive, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Regional Care Rings will focus on the gaps inhibiting successful transition and re-entry into the community, thus interrupting the cycle of entry into the criminal justice system.
Once up and running, Regional Care Ring membership will consist of representatives from across each region who are interested and able to shape local policies regarding forensic clients who have been ordered for competency evaluations and/or restoration services. Members* will include but not be limited to: continuums of care, independent living centers, community mental health centers, local peer navigators, and Bridges Program court liaisons.
The goal of each Ring will be as follows:
- Ensure a clear understanding of the forensic population, competency restoration process, and resources available.
- Reduce the stigma of the forensic population.
- Support strategies that promote community stabilization and reduce criminal justice involvement through access to treatment, resource connection, and bridging of gaps.
The FST held an information session on Regional Care Rings on Oct. 19 to introduce regional partners to this innovative initiative, which will involve examining the status and effectiveness of current protocols/processes, as well as working to reduce barriers and creating a consensus on current community needs to better serve individuals involved in the competency and justice system. For information regarding future meetings contact amanda.myers@state.co.us or kathryn.davis@state.co.us.
*Stakeholders include: Colorado Centers for Independent Living, Community Centered Boards, Continuums of Care, Community Mental Health Centers, Jail Based Behavioral Health Services, Office of Public Guardianship, Community Centered Boards, Program Approved Service Agency, Mobile Crisis Units, Managed Service Organizations, Regional Accountability Entity, Administrative Services Organizations, Rocky Mountain Human Services - Momentum Program, Veterans Administration - Veterans Justice Outreach and Veterans Service Officers, Brain Injury Alliance, Bridges Court Liaison Statewide Coordinator.
**Regional Care Rings have no legislated mandate and membership is not appointed by the Governor nor does it have the authority to create or change rules, regulations, or policies.