As part of NACo’s 90th Annual Conference, the Sheriff’s Office, Behavioral Health, and the MIST team were featured in a short film showcasing the County’s innovative approach to addressing mental illness in the community. The film highlighted the Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) program and Law enforcement’s partnership with Behavioral Health’s Mobile Intervention & Services Team (MIST).
“We are committed to providing solutions that prioritize treatment over incarceration for those suffering from mental illness. These programs demonstrate what’s possible when law enforcement and behavioral health work together to improve lives and enhance public safety,” said Sheriff William Honsal.
JBCT and MIST Programs
At the heart of the Stepping Up initiative is HCSO’s Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) program, which provides a treatment-focused setting for mental health support without lengthy hospital stays. "The average wait time for admission to JBCT is just three days—compared to a decade ago when the wait for a state hospital bed could exceed six months", said Donna Bullard, LCSW, program director for JBCT and EASS.
“This unique partnership helps vulnerable individuals regain competency and stand trial,” Bullard said. “When someone first arrives, it often feels as though we are meeting their mental illness—the symptoms are in the driver’s seat, and the person is in the back seat. By the time they complete the program, they’re back in control. It’s like meeting them for the first time. The transformation is amazing.”
In the community, County law enforcement partners with MIST to co-respond to incidents involving individuals that may be suffering from mental illness. This collaborative effort provides crisis response and connects individuals to treatment options in the field. These innovative programs reflect Humboldt County’s ongoing commitment to compassion, innovation, and public safety and ensure that those struggling with mental illness have meaningful opportunities to receive care and support. To watch the video, visit: clipchamp.com.
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Humboldt County Correctional Facility