Section 2602.90  Mental Health Services

a)         All facilities shall employ or contract with qualified mental health professionals to address the needs of youth identified in the mental health screening, as well as needs that arise during the period of confinement. Services shall meet or exceed the community level of care.

b)         Youth with significant mental health needs shall be assessed by a qualified mental health professional. A service plan shall be developed for each youth that includes:

1)         Counseling or psychotherapy to be provided;

2)         Behavioral management strategies and goals;

3)         Medication;

4)         Protocol for monitoring youth's progress; and

5)         Needed adjustments to normal detention programs and procedures.

c)         The facility shall provide appropriate services to youth with serious mental illnesses (e.g., bi-polar disorder, psychosis, severe depression) including psychiatric evaluation and care, as well as prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medication.

d)         Suicide Prevention/Intervention

The facility shall have policies and procedures in place to identify youth who are at risk of suicide and develop individualized emergency intervention plans in concert with a qualified mental health professional.

1)         Youth who are considered actively suicidal must be under constant supervision or transferred to a mental health facility.

2)         Youth who are at risk of self-harm shall be encouraged to participate in programming.

3)         Youth at risk of self-harm shall not be clothed or housed in degrading or uncomfortable garments or environments or left naked.

4)         Rescue tools shall be available and easily accessible to staff on all living units.