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Good afternoon,
I am writing to inform you of the updated admissions policy and procedures for the adolescent behavioral treatment unit (ABTU) at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP). Review of recent admissions to ABTU show that many of the youth ordered to inpatient competency restoration are not in need of inpatient psychiatric care and that the factors impacting competency are often related to learning or developmental disorders, young age, and/or attentional problems, for example, rather than a psychiatric illness. Youth without a need for intensive/inpatient psychiatric treatment would be best served, and have their developmental needs best met, in settings where there are more opportunities for these youth to develop their skills and abilities socially, academically, and recreationally while continuing treatment in a safe and secure environment.
As we continually evaluate the needs of our patients, we are moving towards an admission process that better aligns with inpatient psychiatric treatment and the services offered in a psychiatric hospital. We believe this will ensure better outcomes for the youth, as they receive services and support in the setting that best meets their needs.
Prior to admission, all referrals and court orders will continue to be sent to CDHS, and CMHHIP will continue to review to determine if the hospital can provide services to the patient. This process includes a review of the collateral information obtained from the youth’s current care providers, as well as additional clinical records sought, if needed.
So, what is changing?
- During record review, the hospital’s medical and psychiatric team will determine if the youth presents with a psychiatric condition, and as a result of that condition, they could benefit from admission to an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
- In order for youth to be admitted to CMHHIP, they must meet criteria for admission based on a current psychiatric diagnosis that could benefit from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization or evaluation according to hospital policy.
- If a youth does not have a current psychiatric condition that could benefit from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, qualified Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) staff from CMHHIP will provide competency restoration psychoeducation services (e.g., competency restoration curricula/services) while the youth remains in the physical custody of the Division of Youth Services (DYS).
- If a youth does not meet the admissions criteria for either CMHHIP or DYS, we will recommend a conversion to outpatient restoration services to the courts.
CMHHIP Legal Records will work with courts to request the location of restoration services is reflected in the court orders.
We believe this change in admissions will allow CMHHIP to best serve the youth that will benefit from inpatient treatment at the hospital, and allow youth who do not meet inpatient hospitalization criteria to be placed into the most appropriate, least restrictive level of care to best meet their individual needs. The new process is now in effect. Please contact CMHHIP Director of Admissions lawrence.rodriguez@state.co.us if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Jill Marshall
Chief Executive Officer
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
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