2008-890-Minutes for Meeting July 07,2008 Recorded 10/9/2008DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL
NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL
SES C~ 1~ II I I I II I I IIII II II I I II I II III I III
{ 2008-880
DESCHUTES COUNTY
PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL
Monday, July 7, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
Allen Room, 2nd Floor County Administration Building
1300 NW Wall St, Suite 200, Bend, OR
MINUTES OF MEETING
CLERK°S Cd 2008'890
10/09/2008 01:51:41 PM
Present were Judge Michael Sullivan; Commissioner Tammy Melton; Dave
Kanner, County Administrator; Ken Hales, Corrections; Scott Johnson, Mental
Health Department; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Susan Ross,
Property and Facilities; Mike Dugan, District Attorney; Jack Blum, citizen
member; Hillary Saraceno, Commission on Children & Families; Carl Rhodes,
Oregon State Police; Ron Roberts, Redmond Police Chief, Sandi Baxter, Bend
Police Chief, Aaron Brenneman, defense attorney; Bob Smit, KIDS Center; Beth
Quinn, Oregon Mental Health and Psychiatric Survivor Coalition; Dee Hansen;
Pam and Bob Marble, NAMI; and Tom Blum and Andrea Blum, citizens. No
representatives of the media were present.
Judge Sullivan opened the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
I Call to Order & Introductions
Judge Sullivan called the meeting to order, at which time the attendees
introduced themselves.
II June Minutes
Mike Dugan moved approval; Bob Smit seconded, and the minutes were
unanimously approved.
Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, July 7, 2008
Page 1 of 5 Pages
III Public Comment
Dee Hansen, NAMI, said that Judge Sol Wachtler of New York is the guest
speaker at their October 1 meeting. Judge Waxner became mentally ill and
eventually ended up in prison. He is now speaking on the issue of mental
illness, and is concerned about the measures on the upcoming Oregon ballot.
(She distributed a document for review.)
Beth Quinn, of the Oregon Mental Health and Psychiatric Survivor
Coalition, is a survivor herself. An article in the Bulletin on June 26 ended
with a question being posed by Judge Sullivan. The question was how to get
the mentally ill to take their medication and function, while at the same time
protect their individual rights. A recovery network is needed, which would
involve a partnership of the justice system, civil commitment agencies, law
enforcement and others. LPSCC has the power of the press while her small
group does not. She stated that they are just starting a peer wellness
program and need to let people know that help is available.
Judge Sullivan said that it is a dilemma when these cases come before him.
Input is welcome and important. He added that it may seem like things
move slowly, but based on comments from the Marble family, he and others
have become more involved and actually held a statewide conference of
judges to discuss mental health issues.
Mike Dugan observed that there are many more people who haven't reached
criminality who are not addressed at all. The ideal would be to reach them
ahead of time before anyone is put in harm's way.
IV Announce Appointment to the Council
Judge Sullivan explained that per Statute, the Presiding Judge appoints a
public defender or defense attorney to LPSCC.
He then introduced Aaron Brenneman, who will be taking Jacques DeKalb's
place on LPSCC as a defense attorney.
V Crime Prevention Services Fund
Ken Hales updated the members on funding recommendations and the next
steps.
Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, July 7, 2008
Page 2 of 5 Pages
He said the alternatives to incarceration subcommittee report contained some
recommendations, including creating a fund used to sustain programs or
stimulate programs that serve more than one function. These could be
alternatives to incarceration as well as programs or services for those people
who are not in jail, designed to prevent offending.
A budget request for $270,000 was made for this purpose. During the
budget process it did not evolve as expected but $148,000 was obtained to
support two programs that fit the intent of the plan. These would be
operated by the Mental Health Department. A request was made to form a
steering committee to make recommendations to the Board of
Commissioners. It is hoped the group will meet during the week of July 21.
A questionnaire was drafted regarding target populations. The results will
be compiled and sent to the steering committee members, who can make
decisions and recommend to the Board funding in the amount of $100,000.
Mr. Dugan suggested that it might be a good idea to have providers comment.
Commissioner Melton stated that this is a new idea, and the whole premise is
for the County to invest in prevention or programs that can impact recidivism.
It is hoped this will fill gaps in the system. It isn't for electronic monitoring
or other things to offset Sheriff's Office costs, and is not an open cattle call for
community investment dollars. The hope is to determine where County
resources might be placed to make the system whole.
Mr. Dugan commented that it is probably not broad enough to include all
prevention programs. Commissioner Melton replied that it may help to
boost the work already being done; for instance, early childhood issues,
supportive services for the mentally ill, help for those recently transitioned
out of j ail, and so on.
Mr. Hales noted that it is not a regular program. Funds can be requested for
specific programs, but have to come through a specific County department.
Judge Sullivan said that he would like to see more funding for medications
for people getting out of jail until they can get into a structure program.
Commissioner Melton stated that the Mental Health Department, Health
Department and Commission on Children & Families receive a lot better
funding now than in the past, and the program should not be picked apart too
much at first. Some programs need to get established and some good work
done.
Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, July 7, 2008
Page 3 of 5 Pages
Scott Johnson said that this sounds similar to the Bridge program. Hillary
Saraceno noted that children also need to be considered in the continuum.
VI Telecare Facility
Scott Johnson explained that a public "open house" is being held later in the
day regarding the public safety campus, including the jail expansion project,
the Oregon State Police/9-1-1 building and the Mental Health secure
residential treatment facility.
Other issues related to the three projects need to be examined, such as
HousingWorks' programs, transitional housing opportunities and a
continuum of care.
Telecare is handling programs in Oregon now. This gives people some
recovery options. The plan is to first place County people, then from the
region, and then the State. There is a severe backlog and a lack of resources
here, and this facility is at least two years away from opening.
Susan Ross gave a brief overview of the County-owned property at the
location, and the proposed site for this and other facilities. She said public
meetings are required as part of land use actions.
Mike Dugan asked if someone is committed after doing a serious crime,
does Deschutes County retain the ability to decline taking in this person.
Mr. Johnson stated that the cases are reviewed by various people, including
representatives of the Mental Health Department, the service provider, and
other health professionals. A veto provision is available but is seldom used.
Law enforcement is informed as needed.
Judge Sullivan said that he is impressed with the process the County is
following; looking at specific issues and potential problems. A lot of
planning is going into this.
VII Other Business
Bob Smit said that this is his last LPSCC meeting as he is retiring.
Candidates for his position at the KIDS Center are being conducted now.
Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, July 7, 2008
Page 4 of 5 Pages
Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R aD_ A,
Bonnie Baker ;I,~/'
Recording Secretary
Attachments
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
Exhibit D: Secure Residential Treatment Facility Information
Agenda
Sign in sheets
Information on Judge Sol Wachtler
Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, July 7, 2008
Page 5 of 5 Pages
DESCHUTES COUNTY
PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL
Monday, July 7, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
Allen Room, 2nd Floor County Administration Building
1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR
Tentative Agenda
I Call to Order & Introductions
Judge Sullivan
II June Minutes
Judge Sullivan
Action: Approve June minutes
III Public Comment
Judge Sullivan
Attachment 1
IV Announce Appointment to the Council Attachment 2
Judge Sullivan
Action: Introduce Aaron Brenneman,
V Crime Prevention Services Fund
Ken Hales
Action: Update Council on funding recommendations and next steps
VI Telecare Facility
Scott Johnson
Action: Brief Council of status of locating new facility
VII Other Business
Judge Sullivan
z
z
V
w
V~
Q
W
J
CL
00
0
J
r
L
M Q)
/~1 1
c
~
o
VI ( o
0
r U
C/1
b0
C
N
a~
~
J
n
0~
z
cA
Y'
v
0
m
0
L
L
H
m
v
a
E~Ch„r a
z
z
V1
W
v►
Q
W
J
J
00
c'
O
s
N
A
~
~
L
L.L.
^
L
S
`
S
bo
O
C
N
v
V
~
Z
a
a
Vi
~
v
v
C
O
m
My bio:
SOL WACHTLER served as a Justice of the New York Supreme Court (1968-1972) and Judge of New York's highest
cowl, The New York Court Of Appeals (1973-1992). In 1985 he was appointed Chief Judge of that court and Chief Judge
of the State of New York. He was Chairman of the National State/Federal Judicial Council. An honor graduate of
Washington and Lee University and its law school, he has been awarded thirteen honorary Doctor of Law Degrees and
has been a scholar in residence at several law schools as well as lecturer abroad on behalf of the United States Information
Service. He authored the book After the Madness (Random House), co-authored the novel: Blood Brothers (New
Millennium) and was a critic at large for New Yorker magazine. He recently authored a section in the book: Serving
Mentally III Offenders(Springer). In 2002 he was presented with the President's Award by the Mental Health Association
of New York and the 25th Anniversary Award from the Coalition of Mental Health Associations of the City of New York.
Last year he was presented with an Achievement Award by National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and the
Clubhouse of Suffolk County's Mental Illness Awareness Award. He is presently the Chairman of the Board of the Law
and Psychiatry Institute of the North Shore- Long Island Jewish Health System and a Life Trustee of that Health System.
He is a contributor and member of the Advisory Board of the Community Health Report (Civic Research Institute New
York Universtiy) and is currently a Professor of Law at Touro Law School and a member of its Board of Governors.
I do hope we can arrange for a mutually agreeable date in October and I look forward to seeing you at
that time.
ey4vj-,O~c
-t-,
here was a time when Sol
Wachtler seemed unstop-
pable. Over the course of two
decades the rising star of New
York's Republican party had
Fifteen years later, Wachtler has
emerged from that hell by taking a high-
profile road to redemption. The man
once touted to be the nation's first Jewish
president has transformed himself into
one of its most visible mental health advo-
cates. Although he still finds it mortifying
to discuss that chapter of his life, he does
so frequently, speaking without fee to
mental health groups around the country.
awdl.Mhow vaulted himself from Long
Island town councilman to State Supreme
Court judge. By the mid-1980s he held the
state's highest judicial position, chief
judge of the Court of Appeals.
Yet even this leading
one of the largest court
systems in the Western
hemisphere-looked like
a career prelude for the
eloquent and insightful
jurist. Indeed, Wachtler Ine
had his eye on the gover-Trial
nor's mansion. And
As lie puts it: 'There are many things
you can do in your lifetime that you feel
like boasting about, but never being in
prison."
many political insiders
figured it was his race •
to lose. ofhls
As it turned out, he
never had a chance to
run. On November 7,
1992, the FBI arrested
Wachtler and charged
him with extorting
money from his ex-mis
tress. As the media later
reported, the yearlong
scheme involved dis-
guises, lurid phone calls Jur&t Sol Wachtler s long road back
and letters, and implied
threats of kidnapping. by Nicole Peradotto
Wachder later pleaded
guilty to threatening to kidnap the
woman's daughter, was disbarred,
and spent 13 months in a federal prison.
At the time of his arrest, psychiatrists
diagnosed him with bipolar disorder,
his condition exacerbated by a toxic
combination of prescription sleep aids,
antidepressants, and stimulants.
"You'd be hard-pressed to find a story
of anyone who was as high as I was and
who was as low as I got. Trying to come
back from that has been hell," Wachtler
says during a phone interview with by
Magazine. "There's an expression: 'One
door closes and another opens.' But it's
hell in the hallway."
C) A
, r
Taking a stand
When NYachtler stands before an audi-
ence, lie uses his platform-and his
story-to address the shortcomings of the
judicial and penal system for people with
mental illness. Although his marriage
weathered the scandal, Joan, his wife of 55
years, rarely accompanies him on speaking
engagements. "She can't stand hearing
about it," he says. "And I find it difficult
to speak about it-terribly difficult. And
embarrassing."
And still, this is the path Wachtler
has chosen. Each time he steps up to the
podium it means dredging up his spectac-
ular freefall. Why does he put himself
through it?
"When I left prison I had a choice
to go to New Mexico and live a quiet
and restful life or
to try to not oniv
make amends for
what I had done
to the lives of other
people, but to redeem
something of a repu-
tation," says Wachtler,
who regained his law
license last fall.
"One of the ways
of doing that is inIIng
to help people who
have gone through,
or are going through,
what I went through.
I'm saying to the pub-
lic, 'If it could happen
to me, it could happen
to anyone."'
Wachtler's com-
mitment to mental
health reform isn't
limited to words.
A decade ago, frus-
trated by the discon-
nect between the legal and mental health
professions, he founded an organization
that is dedicated to helping experts in
both arenas find common ground.
"The law has always been concerned
with who did it and psychiatrists are
concerned with why did he do it," he
explains. "What we're trying to do
is have an understanding between the
disciplines."
To that end, the Law and Psvchiatr-\-
Institute (LPI), which is part of the North
Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System,
produced it training film for New Uwk Cit
police officers on the apprehension of
Opposite Page: Sol Wachtler relaxes at his home in Greenbush, NY. Afte
a staggering fall from grace, the former chief judge of the New York StatE
bp Spring 2 0 0 8 Court of Appeals has reemerged ass an outspoken mental health advoca;
C/Y~ S~_wu 4!~_5wj
fi M I CENTRAL
n
OREGON
AN EVENING.....
WITH A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WHO FELL FROM GRACE
Pao PRISON
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Oregon Chapter invites you to attend an October 1, 2008, 7
Board of Directors
p.m. event at St. Charles Hospital. Judge Sol Wachtler, a former New York Supreme Court Justice will be
addressing the shortcomings of the judicial and penal systems for people with mental illness and drug and alcohol
Deanna Hansen
related crimes. Judge Wachtler tells it like it is from his own personal experience in prison.
President
This presentation is especially pertinent at this time with the mandatory prison sentencing measures which will
appear for vote on Oregon's November ballot. These measures will enforce prison sentences for those with mental
illness and drug and alcohol addiction who are first time offenders instead of offering them treatment. If either of
Gary Smith
Vice President
the measures pass, it will result in more tax dollars being spent on prisons instead of treatment programs.
Judge Wachtler was the rising star of New York state's Republican party. By the mid 1980's he held the state's
highest judicial position, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Wachtler had his eye on the New York governor's
Roger Olson
mansion and it appeared he was very likely to win this race.
Past President
However as it turned out, he never had a chance to run. On November 7, 1992, the FBI arrested Wachtler and
charged him with extorting money from his ex-mistress. Wachtler pleaded guilty to threatening to kidnap the
woman's daughter and was disbarred. He spent 13 months in a federal prison which was not a white collar country
Emily Colburn
club prison. During imprisonment, he was placed in solitary confinement,. At the time of his arrest, he was
Secretary
diagnosed with bipolar disorder which was heightened by his self medication, antidepressants and stimulants.
Now sixteen years later, Wachtler has emerged from the hell imposed by this illness to become an advocate for
Steve Welbourn
mental health reform. Frustrated by the disconnect between legal and mental health professions, he founded an
Treasurer
organization that is dedicated to helping experts in both arenas find common ground. "The law has always been
concerned with who did it and psychiatrists are concerned with why they did it: he explains. What we're trying to
do is have an understanding between the disciplines. He founded the Law and Psychiatry Institute. It's mission is
Eileen White
to educate the judiciary about mental health disorders. The staff works with the courts in rendering objective
Support Group Facilitator
evaluations and treatment for defendants with mental illness and also offers training seminars in clinical forensic
mental health issues for lawyers and judges.
Wachtler's dedication to these issues can be traced back to the highest and lowest points of his life.: his years on
the bench and his months behind bars. Please attend this presentation. We have a great opportunity to make a
diff
Catherine Speckmann Ph]
erence in the way mental illness, drug and alcohol related crimes are viewed in the criminal justice system.
Judge Wachtler's presentation will be held at St. Charles Hospital's Wellness Center on October 1, 2008 at 7
Tarina Tonge
p.m.
In 2002 ludne Wachder was awarded the president's Award by the Mental Heahh Assodadon ofNew York..
Patricia Von Riedl
Lillah McBride
NAMI CENTRAL OREGON - PO BOX 7462 - BEND, OREGON 97708 Jim Link
(541) 408-7779 - www.namicentmloregon.org
TES
0 Mental Health Department
2577 NE Courtney Drive, Bend, Oregon 97701
General Information/TDD (541) 322-7500
FAX (541) 322-7565
Scott Johnson, Director
Deschutes County's Planned
Secure Residential Treatment Facility
General background
Based on national estimates, about 11,000 Deschutes County residents have a serious mental
illness and need help, including almost 600 who need residential services. In 2007, 31 people
from Central Oregon were admitted to the Oregon State Hospital. Once admitted, they remain
there as long as hospital care is needed, receiving extensive psychiatric treatment during their
stay. They are only discharged when psychiatrists and other mental health workers determine
that their health has improved and they no longer need that restrictive a level of care.
"Oregon is replacing the dilapidated state hospital with two smaller hospitals. By 2011, when the
new hospital in Salem opens, the state must have nearly 400 additional beds in communities
throughout Oregon for patients to go to once recovery has reached the point where they do
not need to be institutionalized. Right now the state is 117 beds short." (Oregonian 7.6.8)
The availability of residential treatment facilities throughout Oregon is critical when someone no
longer needs hospital care and is ready for a residential program. It is also far less costly to
Oregon taxpayers to use residential care when a hospital is no longer necessary. The State of
Oregon is working with local communities like ours to fund, license and monitor residential
programs. Central Oregon has lagged behind other regions in offering residential care. While
32% of the need for residential programs is met in Oregon, only 10% of the need is met in
Deschutes County. The County's Mental Health Strategic Plan calls for significant improvement
in housing and treatment options. A secure residential treatment facility is key to that plan.
What is planned for Deschutes County?
This coming year, Deschutes County will devote a parcel of County-owned land off Poe Sholes
Road on the north side of Bend to construct a 10-bed secure residential treatment facility. This
location provides a suitable and cost effective location as part of our public safety campus.
The campus includes the County Jail, the Sheriff's Office, Parole & Probation and the Juvenile
Community Justice facility. Another new building will include the Oregon State Police and 9-1-1.
This secure mental health facility will include four beds for people who had been civilly
committed to the State Hospital and no longer need hospital care. The facility will also include
four beds for people who are on conditional release and under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric
Security Review Board (PSRB). Lengths of stay will vary and may be one or two years or more.
The PSRB residents will be people who had committed a variety of felony crimes. The specific
residents for the four PSRB beds in this facility have not yet been selected. People under the
Adult Treatment Child & Family Program Developmental Disabilities Seniors Program Medical Records
Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug PHONE (541) 322-7554 PHONE (541) 385-1746 FAX (541) 322-7567
FAX (541) 322-7565 FAX (541) 322-7566 FAX (541) 322-7566 FAX (541) 388-6617 (Protected Health Information)
Quality Services Performed with Pride
jurisdiction of PSRB and placed in residential care are no longer deemed to be at risk of
committing additional crimes while they are participating in treatment for their mental illness.
PSRB places the highest priority on public safety in making decisions on who is ready for
placement in a residential program. PSRB will retain jurisdiction over these four residents. No one
will be placed here without the agreement of PSRB (for PSRB beds), the operator of the facility,
the Deschutes County Mental Health Department and the State of Oregon Mental Health
Division. The facility will also have two additional beds for County residents who need a
residential treatment option for 30-90 days to support their treatment and care.
What is a Secure Residential Treatment Facility?
A secure residential treatment facility is a 24-hour locked mental health program licensed by the
State of Oregon. The Deschutes County facility will be constructed to serve 10 adults. Maximum
size in the future would be 16 adults total. Services include support for daily living, mental health
treatment, medication monitoring and crisis intervention. Our secure residential program will
have trained staff around the clock that carefully monitor the activity of all residents.
At a minimum, the facility must have two direct care staff and a registered nurse on each 8-hour
shift. In addition, there will be secure, alarmed entrance / exit doors and windows. The outdoor
area accessible to residents will be fenced, locked and monitored. Initially, only closely
supervised outings will be permitted based solely on each resident's ability and condition, which
is monitored day-to-day. Eventually, with sufficient progress through treatment, residents will be
allowed more privileges.
Who will own the facility? Deschutes County
Deschutes County will own the facility and ensure it is maintained properly in the same manner
they operate and care for other public buildings in the County.
Who will operate the facility? Telecare
Telecare, under contract with the State of Oregon, will operate the facility and provide services
to its residents. Telecare is a family and employee owned business located in Alameda,
California. Telecare's mission is "to help people with mental impairments realize their full
potential." Telecare has over 2,000 employees and operates programs in a number of states
including California, Oregon, Nebraska, Texas, and North Carolina. Telecare operates over 15
secure programs in three states. Programs in Oregon include three secure residential treatment
facilities totaling 47 beds and an Assertive Community Treatment Team serving 50 members.
For more information:
Lori Hill, Program Manager, Deschutes County Mental Health
Phone: 541.322.7535 or lori hill@co.deschutes.or.us
Kevin McChesney, Telecare
Phone: (503) 319-6142 or kmcchesney@telecarecorp.com
Jan Reid, State Department of Human Services, Addiction & Mental Health Division
Phone: (503) 945-9707 or Jan.J.Reid@state.or.us
a
www.statesmanjournal.com I Printer-friendly article page
June 24, 2008
http://www.statesmanj ournal .com/apps/pbcs.di l/article?AID=/20080...
Residents tout success of treatment facility
State explores safety of alternative mental-health rehabilitation centers
By Alan Gustafson
Statesman Journal
WOODBURN - For 15 men with troubled histories of mental illness and crime, life after being
released from Oregon State Hospital unfolds peacefully here in a secure residential treatment
facility.
Behind locked doors, a calm, homelike atmosphere pervades the clean, attractive facility, tucked
away on a quiet city street off Highway 99. The mood is upbeat, hopeful and far happier than
what residents experienced when they occupied crowded, combative wards in the hospital's
forensic psychiatric program, several men said Monday.
"It's a lot calmer place," said Wade Slaughter, who spent 19 years in the state hospital before
being granted a conditional release to live in the Woodburn facility. "There's a lot less people;
there's no barbed wire or razor wire. This is a home. I see it that way. It has helped me change a
lot."
Like other former state hospital patients, Slaughter reportedly has thrived in a community facility
that mixes staff supervision and structured routines with doses of freedom and expectations of
learned self-responsibility.
Since opening more than two years ago, the residential facility, known as the Telecare Recovery
Center, has posted a solid record of safety. The Woodburn facility is run by Telecare Corp.,
based in Alameda, Calif.
There haven't been any physical clashes among residents, nor any conflicts with neighbors or
law-enforcement agencies, staff members said.
The safety record is striking because residents often leave the locked facility on solo passes or
for outings involving two or more residents. Community passes allow residents to go shopping,
attend treatment sessions, enjoy being outdoors and more.
Members of a task force formed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski toured the facility Monday. The panel is
charged with making recommendations to the governor and the 2009 Legislature about improved
ways to site community facilities for "guilty except for insanity" patients released from the state
hospital in Salem.
Former hospital patients living at the Woodburn facility have criminal histories that include murder,
rape, burglary and other felony crimes.
Slaughter, 46, beat to death a fellow transient in Portland in 1987. He was in the throes of
psychosis at the time and was committed to the state hospital instead of being sent to prison.
Although discharged from the state hospital in May 2006, Slaughter faces lifelong monitoring by
the state Psychiatric Security Review Board. He can be sent back to the state hospital for any
1 of 3 6/24/08 2:30 PM
www.statesmanjournal.com I Printer-friendly article page http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080...
new crimes or violations of his conditional release.
Slaughter said he's determined to avoid any slip ups.
"This is a great place for me," he said. "I don't want to lose what I've got."
Other residents expressed similar resolve to steer clear of trouble and avoid going back to the
state hospital.
"In here, we're treated with dignity, respect and honor. We're not dehumanized," said Eleazar
Soto.
Security measures at the facility include keeping all exit doors locked. To open doors, security
codes must be punched in. "Our codes change monthly," Linda Shannon, clinical director for the
facility, said as she led a tour for task force members.
Shannon, who formerly worked as a state hospital social worker, said the facility teaches
residents skills - such as money management, cooking, taking their own medications and setting
their own schedules - necessary to move into less-restrictive community homes. Three residents
are close to making such moves, she said.
State officials say the Woodburn facility demonstrates that Oregonians have nothing to fear amid
the state's push to accelerate patient discharges from the hospital's overcrowded forensic
program.
However, siting of community facilities for conditionally released forensic patients poses a
formidable challenge, as evidenced by recent uproars in several cities that have delayed or
derailed plans to open new homes for patients deemed ready to be discharged from the state
hospital.
In Cornelius, Washington County Sheriff Rob Gordon triggered a furor in late December by
notifying more than 1,000 residents there that former forensic patients had been living nearby in
a secure residential treatment facility since the summer. Many residents were angry that they
hadn't been notified sooner.
The state Department of Human Services announced Monday that it has launched an
investigation of the Cornelius facility, known as Connell House. The state investigation was
triggered when a resident walked away from the facility Thursday and later was found at a
convenience store.
Six residents subject to Psychiatric Security Review Board monitoring have been removed from
the Cornelius facility and returned to the state hospital "until a more appropriate community
setting can be found," according to a DHS news release.
Another resident was moved into another treatment facility, the agency reported, and the client
who walked away has been hospitalized in Portland.
The state's investigation follows earlier allegations of sexual activity and drug activity among
residents of Connell House.
"The standards for running a secure residential treatment facility are very high," said Len Ray,
administrator for adult mental-health services in the DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division.
"We are taking such decisive actions now because it is clear there are unresolved issues with the
treatment provider."
The Cornelius facility is run by Luke-Dorf, a nonprofit agency.
The state investigation will last "as long as it takes to ensure residents are receiving adequate
2 of 3 6/24/08 2:30 PM
www.statesmanjournal.com I Printer-friendly article page http://www.statesmanjoumal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080...
and safe treatment at the Connell House and that the home meets the standards for a secure
facility," stated the DHS news release. "At that point, DHS will determine further action, up to and
including revoking Luke-Dorf s license to operate this facility."
agustafsta?SfatcsmartJourraal.com or (503) 399-6709
3 of 3 6/24/08 2:30 PM
F.;
a
.w+
E U'r' THI F HQT4
L u t 4r ,Dk. S 'S 721f
I..~aI'-,- I.I4.1
trr:,tx'rtI tf:ilitf ii' vt~rl': Fit_ 1i I'C. P?r;_fr:rr:_ its
atrr i h c r:= t: orC-~Ci ~t t= Kcs-t t--31.
~tit 1 L f=rri- t_r r=art-g S t13t_ Hlfvr:_r iv
pri'Lieris; ore Ir> irg it of-Ig>41 _irll' i .lz~ ';.I III LI' v l ~ ti_'r (
t t= , u r It R c-, I C,.::.:3 r 11' 1Pi C- I I `a :J r l'_ Ca cf I-- ::'u- S I I, •y ,
IJrg11,g fr 'if; aP...3 r1m erLS 'L,D t;11,f ?G `_`I ~C'II't`'S .1'~ 3CCurC;
t i eI ti_~I try :,Ii ' ;'t t`aailities,
LOU D„ _atCC' fr 1' a fu~I
f DI' r
,lul ~I ~t l:ir,•~ I'~11 t,~uk GraF•il ~ti_:~r :~r~ll~ ,eitl~II' tf':rr:~ ,~r~t~.
Group homes spur controversy
Oregon stuck between law and community fears as it releases mental patients with violent
pasts
Sunday, July 06, 2008
MICHELLE COLE and ASHBEL S. GREEN
The Oregonian Staff
WOODBURN On his first time outside alone in decades, Wade Slaughter stayed close to home: He
went next door to the Goodwill and bought a blue plaid dress shirt.
"It felt great," he says, smiling broadly.
In 1987, Slaughter killed a man during a psychotic breakdown. Found "guilty except for insanity," he was
sent to the state mental hospital in Salem. Then, two years ago, doctors determined Slaughter healthy
enough to leave the hospital and live in a secure group home with 14 other men.
Slaughter was lucky there was a place for him to go.
The state's policy of moving people with sometimes violent pasts from the Oregon State Hospital back
into the community is legally required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and has been praised by
mental health professionals as humane.
But it has also ignited a firestorm of opposition sweeping from Albany to Milwaukie to Cornelius from
neighbors worried that people who committed crimes while mentally ill may still be dangerous.
The public rebellion has put state officials in a serious bind: On one side they face growing public
opposition, on the other they risk getting sued.
Oregon is replacing the dilapidated state hospital with two smaller hospitals. By 2011, when the new
hospital in Salem opens, the state must have nearly 400 additional beds in communities throughout
Oregon for patients to go to once their recovery has reached the point where they do not need to be
institutionalized.
Right now, the state is 117 beds short:'
"I have concerns that they can't get the job done," says Robert Joondeph, executive director of Disability
Rights Oregon, a nonprofit that provides legal aid to the disabled and mentally ill.
Joondeph's group has sued the state before, and he's closely watching whether officials secure the beds
they've promised.
"We feel the state does have a responsibility to assure the rights of these patients are honored,"
Joondeph said.
Oregon officials also face potential legal trouble on a second front.
Earlier this year, a scathing review by the U.S. Department of Justice noted that patients were waiting too
long for release from the state mental hospital: If federal authorities aren't satisfied, they could seize
control of the `state's mental health system a move that has proved very expensive in other states.
Meanwhile, late last month, more than 30 state hospital patients approved for community placement were
waiting for beds:
They include Charles Horton, 36, a disabled vet with a bipolar disorder who was sent to the hospital in
early 2006 after he threatened a neighbor with a knife.
Approved for conditional release several months ago, Horton says there's no value to the treatment he's
receiving now.
"I've been through the standard groups they offer here eight times," he says. "I've been through the
groups so many times that they even jokingly say that I can teach it."
Slaughter, 46, confesses that he was worried he couldn't make it three months outside the hospital. Now,
more than two years later, he's starting to feel really good about his future.
Until his one-hour solo pass came through last week, Slaughter was accompanied by staff whenever he
left his group home.
More than 6 feet tall, topping 300 pounds, and with a handshake like a well-worn baseball glove,
Slaughter is aware that some people find him scary. He says he tries to put everyone at ease with a smile
and a "good morning."
"I've been given choices and I'm making the right ones," he says. "I just want to be responsible in my
community."
Such reassurances do not calm Oregonians who are uneasy about having a group home for mentally ill
people who have committed crimes in the neighborhood
Greg Horner, chief deputy district attorney for Clackamas County, says as long as he can remember,
people who were sent to the state hospital for violent acts stayed there for a long time. That's why he was
shocked when state hospital officials recommended the release of Lee Joseph Vojta to a community-
based program.
Emboldened by voices in his head, Vojta shot and killed 20-year-old Sarah Huang in April 2003 while she
was working on a farm near Vojta's home.
Late last month, Huang's parents traveled from the East Coast to plead with the Psychiatric Security
Review Board to keep their daughter's killer locked up.
"I wouldn't want someone like this gentleman living in my community, next to my children, or my
grandchildren, or my nieces and nephews," said Huang's mother, Janet Buehler.
The board unanimously agreed that Vojta is not ready for release. If and when he is, he would be subject
to close supervision.
The review board sends patients who refuse to take their medication, go AWOL from a group home or
break other rules back to the state hospital immediately.
Dr. Joe Bloom, former head of psychiatry and dean of the medical school at Oregon Health & Science
University has observed the board's actions since it was created in 1978
One of the board's strengths is its conditional release program, he says. "They've had very few really bad
incidents."
Over the past decade, the board has placed more than 1,200 people found guilty but insane on
conditional release. Of those, 12 one in 100 were charged with new felonies.
In contrast, consider the convicted felons who aren't insane: About one in three commits a new felony
within three years of release. There are about 34,000 of those folks under community supervision in
Oregon.
Slaughter's home in Woodburn has recorded no violent incidents or conflicts with law enforcement since it
opened in May 2006. But in Cornelius last month, the state shut down a controversial home after a
mentally unstable man walked away.
State Rep. Linda Flores, R-Clackamas, says she worries that patients with violent histories are being
released to facilities that the neighbors know little about and that are not secure.
"There's a lack of transparency and openness and notification," Flores says.
She and other lawmakers may introduce legislation next year requiring state officials to notify local law
enforcement and neighbors of their plans to open a community facility.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski also has asked a group of legislators, mental health experts, law enforcement
officials and others to make recommendations about how to handle issues relating to patients released
from the state hospital.
"We can work through a lot of these issues," says Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Department
of Human Services. " I don't see these as insurmountable."
Slaughter will remain under the Psychiatric Security Review Board's supervision for life. Yet his goals are
all about freedom.
He dreams of extending his solo walks to the Arctic Circle, where he hopes to buy some ice cream.
He wants to prove he can be trusted enough to extend his one-hour solo pass to six hours.
Someday, Slaughter says, he hopes to have a bank account and an apartment of his own.
" I am finding out there are things I thought I couldn't do," he says, "and I can."
Michelle Cole: 503-294-5143; michellecole@news.oregonian.com Ashbel S. (Tony) Green: 503-221-
8202; tonygreen@news.oregonian.com
FACT BOX: PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY REVIEW BOARD
Psychiatric Security Review Board
Friday, July 04, 2008
The Oregonian
Who: Five members appointed by the governor. Must include a psychiatrist, psychologist, criminal trial
attorney, parole or probation officer, and a member of the public.
Jurisdiction: People determined to be "guilty except for insanity"
Role: Decides, in consultation with doctors, level of treatment and supervision, ranging from the state
mental hospital to community placement
How many under supervision? 745 as of May, including 368 in the state hospital and 377 living in the
community under conditional release from the state hospital
q .1
-a a
-
N at
ww a
~
a z w
w ~Z
z w
O
Q LLI
w-
w
o
r~
4el
U \
a
0
Q
a ~
w
z
w ,
w
z
cq J)
a~pr
=
u'
a
v )
C)
N
W
~
l
(D 0
C5 ,S._
I~
z ocE
a 0 E
60 0
dc
IL & ` V
` .ZEZ
N to
113-
~ Q d U
^ Q ~ .Z
uS~ ~ 0
b 4a t
E
H 1
1V h\~
i
iz-
N
5Z
as
N
UL
Q
N
a
3
0
a
CENTRAL
nflmi
,OREGON
AN EVENING.....
WITH A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WHO FELL FROM GRACE
INTO PRISON
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Oregon Chapter invites you to attend an October 1, 2008, 7
Board of Directors
p.m. event at St. Charles Hospital. Judge Sol Wachtler, a former New York Supreme Court Justice will be
addressing the shortcomings of the judicial and penal systems for people with mental illness and drug and alcohol
Deanna Hansen
related crimes. Judge Wachtler tells it like it is from his own personal experience in prison.
President
This presentation is especially pertinent at this time with the mandatory prison sentencing measures which will
appear for vote on Oregon's November ballot. These measures will enforce prison sentences for those with mental
illness and drug and alcohol addiction who are first time offenders instead of offering them treatment. If either of
Gary Smith
Vice President
the measures pass, it will result in more tax dollars being spent on prisons instead of treatment programs.
Judge Wachtler was the rising star of New York state's Republican party. By the mid 1980's he held the state's
highest judicial position, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Wachtler had his eye on the New York governor's
Roger Olson
mansion and it appeared he was very likely to win this race.
Past President
However as it turned out, he never had a chance to run. On November 7, 1992, the FBI arrested Wachtler and
charged him with extorting money from his ex-mistress. Wachtler pleaded guilty to threatening to kidnap the
woman's daughter and was disbarred. He spent 13 months in a federal prison which was not a white collar country
Emily Colburn
club prison. During imprisonment, he was placed in solitary confinement,. At the time of his arrest, he was
Secretary
diagnosed with bipolar disorder which was heightened by his self medication, antidepressants and stimulants.
Now sixteen years later, Wachtler has emerged from the hell imposed by this illness to become an advocate for
Steve Welboum
mental health reform. Frustrated by the disconnect between legal and mental health professions, he founded an
Treasurer
organization that is dedicated to helping experts in both arenas find common ground. "The law has always been
concerned with who did it and psychiatrists are concerned with why they did it: he explains. What we're trying to
do is have an understanding between the disciplines. He founded the Law and Psychiatry Institute. It's mission is
Eileen White
to educate the judiciary about mental health disorders. The staff works with the courts in rendering objective
Support Group Facilitato[
evaluations and treatment for defendants with mental illness and also offers training seminars in clinical forensic
mental health issues for lawyers and judges.
Wachtler's dedication to these issues can be traced back to the highest and lowest points of his life.: his years on
the bench and his months behind bars. Please attend this presentation. We have a great opportunity to make a
diff
i
Catherine Speckmann Ph]
erence
n the way mental illness, drug and alcohol related crimes are viewed in the criminal justice system.
Judge Wachtler's presentation will be held at St. Charles Hospital's Wellness Center on October 1, 2008 at 7
Tarina Tonge
p.m.
In 2002 Jadne Wachtler was awarded the President's Award by the Mental Health Association ofNew Yor/c
Patricia Von Riedl
Lillah McBride
NAMI CENTRAL OREGON - PO BOX 7462 - BEND, OREGON 97708 Jim Link
(541) 408-7779 - www.namicentraloregon.org
Ballot Measure 61 and 57 Comparison
Overview
Oregonians have the choice between two competing
measures on the November 4, 2008 ballot. One
referral is Ballot Measure 61 (BM 61), which has
qualified for ballot. Kevin Mannix, Duane Fletchall
and-Steve Beck are the chief petitioners of BM 61.
The other is the legislatively referred, Ballot
Measure 57 (BM 57).
Both measures provide for more severe sentences
for certain property and drug crimes, and BM 57
provides alcohol and drug treatment for certain
identity theft or aggravated identity theft, the
presumptive sentence would go up from 19 to 24
months.
If there is a previous conviction for any of the above
mentioned crimes, or a conviction for one of 19
other property crimes, within three years of release
from prison or supervision, the sentence would be
increased by two months for each previous
conviction, up to a maximum of 12 additional
months.
offenders. For people convicted of certain property crimes, the
sentence would go up from 13 to 18 months.. If
there is a previous conviction for any one of nine
Sentencing highlights of BM 57 specific crimes, or one of 19 other property crimes
BM 57 is the legislative referral that would increase committed within three years after supervision ends
sentences for repeat drug and property offenders for a prior conviction, a sentence would be
and provide drug and alcohol treatment for certain increased by two months for each previous
-addiczed__offender-s-in-r-dgr to-reduce-t-hi-likel-iheod conviction, up to a maximum of 12 additional
of future criminal activity. months: -
BM 57does not establish mandatory minimum
sentences for property crime on the first offense, but
enhances sentences for repeat offenders, drug
traffickers and manufacturers who possess
substantial amounts of methamphetamine, heroin,
ecstasy and cocaine.
There would also be enhanced penalties for a person
who steals $10,000 or more from a victim who is 65.
years of age or older at the time of the crime and for
a person who delivers meth, cocaine, ecstasy or
heroin to a person under 18.
For people convicted of delivering or manufacturing
cocaine,. ecstasy, heroin or methamphetamine,
prison sentences would range from 58 to 130
months, or 34 to 72 months, depending on drug
amounts involved, a person's criminal history and
whether it was sold to a person younger than 18.
Currently, the sentence for this crime is probation to
45 months.
For people convicted of first-degree aggravated
theft, first-degree burglary, third-degree robbery,
Sentencing highlights of BM 61
BM 61 would require mandatory minimum prison
sentences for those convicted of property and drug
crimes.
BM 61 would set 36-month minimums for identity
theft, first-degree burglary, and Class A felony
manufacture/delivery of cocaine, heroin or
methamphetamine; 30-month minimums for Class
B felony manufacture/delivery of those same drugs.
For offenders with one or more prior felony
convictions, or two or more prior misdemeanor
convictions, BM 61would require 18-month
minimums for first-degree forgery, motor vehicle
theft; 14-month minimums for first-degree theft,
second-degree burglary.
BM 61 states that sentences must be served in state
prisons, not in county jails. BM 61 would require
the state to reimburse the county for all actual costs
of pretrial incarceration for each person sentenced
under BM 61.
Treatment programs
BM 61 does not have any treatment programs or
funding for treatment associated with the measure
BM 57 states that the Department of Corrections
shall provide "appropriate" treatment to drug-
addicted persons with moderate or severe needs,
and at a high or medium risk of committing another
crime. Under BM 57, the Oregon Criminal Justice
Commission would be charged with conducting
regular and independent evaluations of programs
funded through this grant system to ensure the
delivery of effective treatment.
If an offender does not comply with court-ordered
treatment, judges and probation/parole officers have
punishment for those offenders.
Costs
BM 57 would add 1,600 non-violent inmates to
DOC custody by 2012. BM 57 will require
additional state spending of approximately $9M in
the first year, $74M in the second year, $79M in the
third year, $106M in the fourth year, and more than
$143M each year after that. The state will borrow
$314M from 2010 to 2017 to build new prison
space. The state will repay those amounts plus
interest of $203M over 25 years. BM 57 provides
funding for county treatment programs and jail
beds.
House Bill 363-?
HB 3638 is the companion measure to BM 57. HB
3638 contains language implementing the treatment
grant language of BM 57. This measure would
change the requirements for entry into the
Department's Alternative Incarceration Programs
-(AIP). The bill also provides that national criminal
history checks for county jail inmates would
reimbursed by the state. Also, incarcerated felons in
county jails would be unable to vote during
incarceration. It is already impermissible for
incarcerated felons at state correctional facilities to
vote.
The mission of the
Oregon Department of Corrections
is to promote public safety by
BM 61 would add an additional 4,000 to 6,000 non-
violent inmates to DOC custody by July 2012. BM
61 will require additional spending of $8M to $10M
in the first year, $67M to $88M in the second year,
$122M to $178M in the third year, $164M to $247
M in the fourth year, and $161 M to $274M in each
year after that. BM 61 will require the state to
borrow between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion to
build new prisons between 2010 and 2017. The
state will repay those amounts plus interest of
$709M to $844M over 25 years.
The measure requires state payments to local
government of $2M to $5M in the first year and
$10M to $19M each year after that. BM 61 provides
no funding for new prison construction or for
treatment programs.
actions and reducing the risk of
future criminal behavior.
ORECON~
W~
Max Williams, Director
(503) 945-0920
Mitch Morrow, Deputy Director
(503) 945-0921
Oregon Department of Corrections
2575 Center Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301-4667
www.oregon.gov/doe
73-6CfPA:8/19/08