Hawaiʻi to inspect prisons' mental health services for inmates

Hawaiʻi will allow two national experts to inspect its prisons and jails. This inspection aims to assess mental health services for inmates. The decision comes as part of efforts to address a federal lawsuit regarding suicides in the prison system. The experts will identify necessary improvements in mental health care for inmates. They will also create a plan to address staffing shortages, which currently leave many psychologist positions unfilled. This situation has raised concerns, especially given the five suicides among inmates last year. A lawsuit filed in 2019 highlighted the failures in providing adequate mental health care in Hawaiʻi's corrections system. The case was initiated after an inmate's suicide and has drawn attention to the serious issues affecting inmates with mental health problems. The attorney representing the plaintiffs stated the mental health system needs significant changes to prevent further tragedies. The state Department of Corrections has confirmed it will provide the experts with unrestricted access to facilities and records. The two experts, forensic psychiatrists from the mainland, are expected to deliver recommendations to improve mental health care, including staffing levels and suicide prevention measures. The state has previously faced federal lawsuits over inadequate mental health services. Corrections officials acknowledge the need for reform but have not yet agreed on financial aspects related to the lawsuit. The inspection aims to help both sides work toward a solution that ensures better care for inmates. Community members and advocates have stressed the importance of improving mental health resources in the correctional system.