State and local criminal justice partners met in Vernal on Friday to explore options for best practices in administering criminal justice services, including the possibility of a new facility that could relieve the strained system. Uintah County Commissioner Bart Haslem shared his concern that local hospital and law enforcement resources are being overwhelmed managing mental health and substance abuse crisis situations. Facing similar challenges, some areas of Utah have established Receiving Centers that serve as a crisis response site for individuals experiencing behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse challenges in need of immediate intervention and stabilization. Usually law enforcement responds to these situations and the Receiving Centers offer an alternative to the ER or jail for individuals needing crisis intervention who are non-violent but require professional stabilization and often detox services. Tom Ross, Executive Director for the Utah Commission on Criminal & Juvenile Justice, shared during Friday’s meeting details on the Receiving Center that he was part of establishing in Davis County and how it is considered one of the best things to have happened for the community. Those that are brought there stay up to 24-hours and receive suicide assessment, detox services as needed, a physical health screening, and other support until stabilized. The individuals are then connected to appropriate services and treatment programs before being discharged. Those present at Friday’s meeting were very receptive to the idea of a similar facility to serve Uintah County as well as neighboring counties. It was agreed that a criminal justice council would be established with the pursuit of a Receiving Center among its top immediate interests. State funding is expected to be available during the 2023 Legislative session for two new Receiving Centers in the state and the council and its partners will work to have Uintah County among the two.
