In Progress: JIRLC Cohort 4
The fourth cohort of the Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for county teams to identify strategies to actively monitor people who have been found incompetent to stand trial (IST) and to reduce the wait for inpatient competency restoration services. Participating teams will receive free monthly technical assistance, legal education, and clinical and forensic consultation services.
The application period for JIRLC Cohort 4 is now closed.
Texas Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative
Texas faces a growing number of incarcerated people awaiting inpatient competency restoration services after being declared incompetent to stand trial (IST).
HHSC began the Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative (JIRLC) in 2021 to support efforts to monitor and reduce the number of IST cases in county jails. County teams are made up of representatives from local mental and behavioral health authorities, local behavioral health authorities, county sheriffs’ offices, jail staff, jail medical and psychiatric providers, prosecutors, defense counsel, and judiciary officials.
JIRLC participants receive free monthly technical assistance, legal education, and clinical and forensic consultation services.
Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative (JIRLC) Resources
The resources below are distributed to members of the JIRLC.
JIRLC Summary is a brief document explaining the services available to county forensic teams and an overview of the commitment required.
JIRLC Request Form for Consultation or Technical Assistance can be used by current or former cohort members to request assistance on forensic services, legal education, clinical consultation, planning support, and more.
JIRLC Explanation of Assistance Types (Algorithm) is a document to offer greater detail on the assistance types listed on the request for consultation or technical assistance form.
JILRC Workbook serves as a foundational reference for county forensic teams participating in the learning collaborative.
Establishing a Jail In-Reach Guide highlights six essential steps launching a jail in-reach program to actively monitor people in county jails who have been found incompetent to stand trial (IST) and are awaiting admission into a state hospital.
Court-Ordered Psychoactive Medications Guide is a brief document that summarizes statutory authority for court-ordered medications and credible evidence of immediate restoration.
Standardized Clinically Based Competency Screening Guide is a brief document summarizing the screening tool that was developed for use by the State Hospital System to ascertain individuals’ progress toward trial competency restoration.
Forensic Expedited Admission Process Guide is a brief document summarizing the clinical and non-clinical considerations for a person to be moved to an appropriate bed ahead of others.
Trial Competency and Forensic Commitments 101 provides general information on the forensic commitment and competency restoration process.