Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Impact
The proposed legislation mandates the creation of a free-of-charge counseling program, emphasizing confidentiality for employees seeking mental health services. The bill clearly stipulates that any information shared during counseling cannot be disclosed except in cases where a mental health professional determines that an employee poses an imminent risk to themselves or others. This provision aims to encourage employees to seek help without fear of punitive actions from the department, thereby addressing the stigma often associated with mental health issues in high-stress occupations.
Summary
Bill A10275 introduced in the New York Assembly seeks to amend the correction law by establishing a mental health assistance program for employees working in the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, as well as for workers in the Office of Mental Health who provide services to incarcerated individuals. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that employees within the corrections system have access to confidential mental health counseling, which is crucial given the unique stresses associated with working in correctional facilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding how effectively the program will be implemented and the availability of qualified mental health professionals within the departments. Critics might argue that while the initiative is commendable, without adequate funding and resources, it could fall short in providing meaningful support to employees. Additionally, there may be concerns about the limits of confidentiality and how cases involving potential harm will be handled, raising questions about the balance between employee privacy and public safety.
Same As
Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Establishes an employee mental health services program for all employees who work for the department of corrections and community supervision and all employees of the office of mental health who deliver services to incarcerated individuals overseen by the department of corrections and community supervision.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.
Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to provide body-worn cameras to certain individuals visiting correctional facilities and provide those individuals with the footage from such cameras.
Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to provide body-worn cameras to certain individuals visiting correctional facilities and provide those individuals with the footage from such cameras.
Permits the state and local municipalities to purchase from sources other than the correctional industries program of the department of corrections and community supervision.
Prohibits charging a fee to obtain a certified copy or certified transcript of birth when the department of corrections and community supervision or a local correctional facility requests such for an individual under community supervision in connection with such individual's ongoing supervision in the community.
Provides for a grace period until July 1, 2025, in which former employees of the department of corrections and community supervision that participated in a strike may return to full duty without discipline.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish procedures to allow an incarcerated individual in a correctional facility which has suspended visiting privileges to have private meetings with their legal counsel.