The VKC has partnered with Judge Dan Eisenstein of the Davidson County Mental Health Court to find solutions to the alarmingly high number of young adults in prison who have intellectual disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse issues. Each month for a year now, Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. and Judge Eisenstein bring together state commissioners in mental retardation, mental health, and substance abuse to discuss specific individuals and find solutions to their care. In doing so, they have developed a pilot residential and treatment program, which now includes an innovative art therapy piece offered through the VKC recreation and arts program. Next steps are to publish a manuscript on the characteristics, prevalence and needs of these young people, as well as others with intellectual disabilities in our local court system. They are also developing plans to expand the residential and day treatment program that can move these vulnerable individuals out of prison and into treatment.
Elise McMillan, J.D., (615) 343-2540
615-322-8240, kc@vanderbilt.edu
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