Today, officials in North Carolina took a step toward addressing the intersection of the criminal justice system and mental health care, with the introduction of a new capacity restoration program at the Pitt County Detention Center. The Department of Health and Human Services, alongside the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, announced the program which targets inmates who are currently unable to participate in their defense due to mental health issues.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley emphasized the significance of this program at a press conference scheduled for next Thursday, where he was joined by figures such as Senator Jim Burgin, Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance, and Eddie W. Caldwell Jr., Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the NC Sheriff’s Association. Inmates deemed by the court as Incapable to Proceed (ITP) due to mental health conditions, will now have a more immediate resource for care within the detention facility itself, aiming to minimize delays in the court process and improve access to necessary treatment.

The Pitt County initiative marks the second of its kind in North Carolina, expanding upon the state's NC RISE program which originated in Mecklenburg County. This local approach has shown promising early results, with the average time to restore an individual’s competency at a detention-based program being around 48 days. In contrast, those receiving similar services at state psychiatric hospitals have historically faced wait times exceeding 180 days, highlighting a stark improvement in efficiency.

By focusing on community-level solutions, NCDHHS reinforces their mission to better integrate behavioral health care with the legal system's needs. The goal is clear: to foster a more just, fair, and efficient experience for all North Carolinians involved, regardless of their mental health status, the program allows individuals to receive the care they need in a setting that may expedite their legal proceedings.