Advocacy E-News December 19, 2018
December 19, 2018
ATMOSPHERE OF ‘TERROR AND RETALIATION’ ALLOWED VIOLENCE, NEGLECT TO FESTER AT STATE PSYCH HOSPITAL, SCATHING LAWSUIT SAYS
According to an explosive lawsuit obtained by NJ Advance Media violence and staff shortages have violated patients’ civil rights because they are not getting the treatment they need, which has kept them committed longer than medically necessary. The lawsuit names Gov. Phil Murphy and three top officials in his cabinet as defendants.
AFTER SPIKE IN DEATHS, NEW JERSEY LOOKS TO PREVENT SUICIDES IN JAILS
New Jersey’s Department of Corrections is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at preventing suicides in county jails, weeks after a WNYC investigation into the jail system found an increasing number of deaths in custody. Reporters found the increase in deaths was largely driven by suicides tied to mental illness and drug addiction.
HELPING THE HELPERS: ADVOCATES WANT TASK FORCE FOR UNPAID CAREGIVERS
The New Jersey Assembly unanimously approved legislation on Monday that would create a task force to evaluate how state government supports unpaid caregivers, learn what else is needed, and recommend policy and program changes in a report to the governor within a year. The measure (S-959) is designed to ensure that state agencies are properly supporting the wide range of caregivers — including family members, friends, neighbors and others in the community — who work informally and for no pay to assist individuals at home or in other nonmedical facilities.
STIGMA AGAINST MENTAL ILLNESS IS DECREASING ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
According to the 2016-2017 Healthy Minds Survey, which aims to provide a detailed picture of mental health among college student populations, 47 percent of college students agreed that most people would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment. This number is striking compared to the mere 6 percent of students who say they personally would think less of someone for receiving mental health treatment.
STATE AGENCY CREATES OFFICE OF FAMILY VOICE/b>
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the creation of an Office of Family Voice, the first of its kind among public child welfare agencies nationwide. The office will serve as a liaison to program participants and facilitate opportunities for formal feedback that informs policy and guides system transformation.
“Our efforts to keep families safe, healthy and connected require us to be active partners with them” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer.
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