Hawaii House Bill HCR63

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Make Available To Correctional Facility Staff Members Throughout The State Clinical Counseling Services That Are Separate And Distinct From The Existing Mental Health Resources Available To Inmates.

Impact

The resolution requests that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) implement in-house clinical counseling services that are separate from the mental health resources currently provided to inmates. This move is aimed at prioritizing the mental health of correctional officers and other staff members to ensure their well-being and ability to perform their duties effectively. The intention is to mitigate the mental health crises that can arise from the unique stresses associated with working in such challenging environments.

Summary

HCR63 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii, which emphasizes the importance of mental health support for correctional facility staff throughout the state. The resolution recognizes that working in correctional facilities is fraught with inherent risks that can lead to significant mental health challenges for staff members. Issues such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder are highlighted, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health interventions tailored specifically for this demographic.

Contention

A key element of HCR63 is the recommendation for the DCR to allocate a portion of its operating funds to establish these clinical counseling services, which may include hiring additional professionals like clinical counselors and psychologists. While the resolution aims to improve staff mental health, it may also face scrutiny regarding the allocation of resources within the corrections system, particularly in balancing the needs of inmates versus those of the staff. Stakeholders may debate the extent to which funds should be diverted to staff counseling services at a time when inmate mental health resources are also critical.

Overall_statements

In support of this initiative, proponents argue that enhancing staff mental health resources can ultimately lead to improved safety and outcomes within correctional facilities. There is a growing recognition that the well-being of staff is inherently linked to their interactions with inmates, potential workplace violence, and the overall environment in which they operate. HCR63 represents a progressive approach to addressing mental health in corrections while advocating for necessary policy changes within the DCR.