NaphCare Partners with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Program
Why is the correctional system struggling to address the growing mental health crisis among detainees? NaphCare, a leading correctional healthcare company, is addressing this critical issue head-on. Partnering with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), NaphCare has launched the THRIVE Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) program at the Washoe County Detention Facility. This groundbreaking initiative delivers comprehensive competency restoration services within the facility, marking a significant step forward in mental health treatment for detainees.
The THRIVE JBCT program, an evolution of the facility’s innovative THRIVE Jail-based Treatment Program (JBTP) that opened in September 2024, is the first of its kind in Nevada. “The THRIVE Jail-Based Competency Treatment program represents years of work by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to rethink how detention facilities respond to mental health,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. This program not only accelerates the legal process but also supports safer outcomes for all involved.
Key Insights at a Glance
- THRIVE JBCT Program: The first of its kind in Nevada, providing full competency restoration services within the detention facility.
- Partnership: A collaboration between NaphCare and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
- Mental Health Crisis: Addresses the growing demand for competency evaluations and restoration in correctional facilities.
- Legislative Support: Backed by Assembly Bill 467, which changed Nevada Revised Statute to allow jail-based competency restoration.
The Competency Crisis in Correctional Facilities
The competency crisis in correctional facilities is a growing concern, with more justice-involved individuals awaiting specialized services to advance through the legal system. Just as a dam can only hold back so much water before it overflows, the increasing number of individuals with mental health issues in jails is overwhelming the system. Dr. Caroline Parrott, NaphCare’s Vice President of Forensic Mental Health Programs, emphasizes, “The competency crisis has grown within correctional facilities nationwide as more justice-involved individuals are waiting for the specialized services they need.” This crisis not only affects the individuals but also the public, as longer stays in correctional facilities increase financial burdens and jeopardize due process.
Why the Window for Action Is Closing Fast
Like a ticking time bomb, the delays in competency evaluations and restoration are creating significant challenges for the justice system. The longer individuals wait for treatment, the more likely it is that their cases will be delayed, leading to potential miscarriages of justice. NaphCare’s THRIVE JBCT program is a timely response to this urgent need. By providing targeted and comprehensive treatment, the program aims to reduce wait times and ensure that individuals can stand trial more quickly and fairly. The next steps involve expanding the program’s reach and impact, ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving needs of the correctional system.
NaphCare Mobilizes for Mental Health Restoration
NaphCare is committed to addressing the competency crisis through innovative solutions. The THRIVE JBCT program operates in a designated Jail-Based Mental Health Unit, featuring empirically informed enhancements to promote patient participation and wellness. WCSO deputies trained in mental health work alongside NaphCare’s clinical staff to create a therapeutic community for participants. “Thanks to the efforts of Nevada’s legislators, the Governor’s office, and the support of key community and state stakeholders,” said Dr. Parrott, “THRIVE is able to provide targeted competency restoration treatment, so we can directly address the barriers to competency head on.” The program’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision for a more just and humane correctional system.
Future Outlook
The THRIVE JBCT program is like a lighthouse guiding the way forward in the murky waters of the competency crisis. By providing intensive, all-inclusive mental health and medical treatment, the program is poised to reduce wait times and improve outcomes for detainees. As the program continues to evolve, it will serve as a model for other correctional facilities nationwide. The next phase involves expanding the program’s reach and ensuring that it remains at the forefront of forensic mental health innovation. In July 2025, legislation introduced in Assembly Bill 467 will further support the program’s mission.
Conclusion
The launch of the THRIVE JBCT program by NaphCare and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office marks a significant milestone in addressing the competency crisis in correctional facilities. By providing comprehensive mental health treatment within the detention facility, the program not only accelerates the legal process but also supports safer outcomes for all involved. This innovative approach underscores NaphCare‘s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Join the conversation in the comments below.
About NaphCare
NaphCare partners with local, state and federal government agencies nationwide to provide innovative healthcare, technology and administrative solutions for complex problems within the correctional system. The company’s industry-leading approach to correctional healthcare includes designing and implementing evidence-based clinical programs to address the specific challenges of the corrections environment. Above all, NaphCare aims to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. NaphCare is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with a regional office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
About Washoe County Detention Center
Designed as one of the first direct-supervision detention facilities in the nation, the Washoe County Detention Facility has become a model facility for jails in the United States. The Detention Facility currently accepts detainees from over thirty law enforcement agencies, including those at the local, state and federal levels. Detention Operations provides services to inmates through Court Transportation, District Court, the Inmate Management Unit (IMU), and the Detention Services Unit (DSU) and one medical contractor (NaphCare). Detention Services oversees six departments operated by the largest civilian staff employed by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office supporting the strategic objective and goals of Detention Facility commissioned deputies.
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