Joint Study Committee on Treatment Options
for Offenders who have Mental Illness or
Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440)


For Immediate Release

A meeting of the Joint Study Committee on Treatment Options for Offenders who have Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440) has been scheduled for May 3, 2001, at 1:00 PM in Senate Room A of the General Assembly Building in Richmond, Virginia. The study committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Senate Room A.

The 2001 Session of the General Assembly directed the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care, in conjunction with the Virginia State Crime Commission and the Virginia Commission on Youth, to study treatment options for persons involved in the criminal justice system who have mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The Commissions were asked to include the following areas in their review:

  • incidence of mental illness and substance abuse among offenders
  • current system for delivering mental health and substance abuse services, including assessment, treatment, post-release, and follow-up
  • model treatment programs for offenders
  • costs and benefits of private versus public delivery of treatment services
  • need for specialized training of local law enforcement and court personnel, and
  • funding, sources of funding and legislation required to ensure adequate assessment and treatment services

Persons who desire to speak to the issues concerning treatment options for offenders with mental illness or substance abuse disorders are asked to register no later than Wednesday, May 2, 2001, 5:00 PM with John Mc.E Garrett, Senate Committee Operations, P.O. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218, (804) 698-7450, TDD number (804) 698-7419, or FAX 698-7672. Individuals requiring interpreter services or other special accommodations should contact Senate Committee Operations at least seven days prior to the meeting. All speakers are requested to limit their remarks to three minutes and to submit a written copy to the Joint Study Committee at the hearing. Others who would like to address the Joint Study Committee but are unable to attend the hearing may mail or FAX their written comments to Mr. Garrett at the above address and FAX number. The Joint Study Committee welcomes all persons who would like to attend the public hearing.

Questions regarding the meeting agenda should be directed to Nancy Roberts, Health and Human Resources Section Manager with the Division of Legislative Services, (804) 786-3591.

Members:

From the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care
Senator Stephen H. Martin, Chesterfield County
Senator R. Edward Houck*, Spotsylvania County
Delegate John H. Rust, Jr.
Delegate Glenn M. Weatherholtz, Rockingham County
From the Virginia State Crime Commission
Senator Janet D. Howell, Fairfax County
Delegate David B. Albo, Fairfax County
William G. Petty, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City of Lynchburg
From the Virginia Commission on Youth
Delegate Robert Tata, Virginia Beach
Gary L. Close, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Culpeper County

* Senator Houck is also serving as a member from the Virginia Commission on Youth

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