Advocacy E-News August 10, 2017
August 10, 2017
ASSAULTS RISE AT N.J.’S LARGEST PSYCH HOSPITAL
Patients at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital assaulted and injured 13 fellow patients and 12 employees during the first quarter of 2017, just as the state-run facility reached its highest capacity since opening nine years ago, according to state data released on Monday. The statistics appear to bolster claims from a wide array of mental health advocates that Greystone is overcrowded and unsafe.
Read the full Star Ledger story
STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING ALLEGED SEX ASSAULTS AT ANCORA
New Jersey State Police are investigating a series of alleged sexual assaults reported over a two-week period at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, according to a spokeswoman for the N.J. Department of Human Services. The four reported cases occurred between July 18 and August 2. One report was determined “unfounded,” and another case that allegedly occurred in a hallway bathroom in Cedar Hall B was closed without an arrest. Police are continuing to investigate two other assaults.
PERTH AMBOY TO PAY FAMILY OF MENTALLY ILL MAN KILLED BY POLICE $350K
Lawyers for the city and the family of Dixon Rodriguez have agreed on a settlement of $350,000 in the fatal shooting of a mentally ill 32-year-old man six years ago, according to court documents. Rodriguez’s mother, Asela, had called 911 to report that her son had become violent after he stopped taking his medication.
NOW VETERANS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN CRIMES CAN GET HELP, NOT CHARGES
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced last week it’s launching a new court diversion program that will allow certain offenders who are veterans to have his or her charges dropped. Active and former service members who are charged with non-violent third or fourth degree crimes and suffer from a mental-health condition related to service could qualify for the Veterans Diversion Program (VDP) in Monmouth County.
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