The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is set to launch the NC RISE program at the Wake County Detention Center. This initiative aims to enhance mental health services for inmates who have been deemed unfit to stand trial. By offering treatment within the detention center, the program is expected to expedite the process of restoring competency and reduce costs significantly.
Currently, 23 inmates at Wake County Detention Center are awaiting placement at Central Regional Hospital for mental health treatment. These individuals typically face delays due to mental health issues or substance use disorders. The NC RISE program will allow these inmates to receive targeted treatment at the detention center, which is estimated to cost about 20% of what it would take to send them to a hospital.
The acronym RISE stands for Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively, and the program aims to provide specific therapies that can help inmates improve their mental health and become fit for trial. Similar programs implemented in Mecklenburg and Pitt counties have successfully reduced the average wait time for restoring competency from 140 days to just 50 days, which is a substantial improvement.
Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe emphasized the importance of timely trials for victims, stating that delays prolong their suffering. He noted that getting defendants to trial sooner helps ensure accountability, which ultimately benefits victims and the community.
If the NC RISE program proves effective in Wake County, there are plans to expand it to other areas in North Carolina, potentially improving mental health care within the justice system statewide.
