Louisiana House Bill HCR135

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/7/14
• Engrossed: 5/8/14
• Refer: 5/12/14
• Report Pass: 5/20/14
• Passed: 5/22/14

Caption

Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to establish partnerships with area universities to provide additional access to individual therapy and drug treatment for inmates at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women

Impact

This resolution is intended to address the high rates of recidivism associated with mental health and substance abuse disorders among incarcerated individuals. By increasing the availability of individual therapy and tailored drug treatment programs, HCR135 reflects a growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive mental health care in reducing repeat offenses. The proposed partnerships could lead to more robust support systems for inmates, facilitating better mental health management and potentially lowering the costs associated with their treatment as well as overall recidivism rates.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 135 (HCR135) urges the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to establish partnerships with state universities to enhance access to individual therapy and drug treatment for inmates at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). The resolution arises from findings that highlight a significant number of incarcerated women suffer from severe mental illnesses and addiction disorders, indicating the pressing need for accessible mental health services within the correctional system. By facilitating partnerships with universities that offer degrees in relevant fields, the state aims to leverage academic resources to improve inmate rehabilitation outcomes significantly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR135 is largely positive, as it resonates with advocates for mental health care and criminal justice reform who emphasize the necessity of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to female incarceration. Supporters view this as a vital step toward creating a more humane prison system, emphasizing the need for proper mental health services to aid recovery and rehabilitation. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of such programs and the ability of universities to effectively participate, given resource constraints.

Contention

While there is general agreement on the importance of expanding therapy and treatment options for female inmates, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding allocations, the actual efficacy of partnerships, and how these initiatives integrate with existing programs at LCIW. Ensuring that sufficient training and resources are provided to university staff involved in these programs can also be pivotal challenges that stakeholders will need to address to realize the goals set forth in this resolution.