Lesson 2: Supervision of the Referral Process PDF

Lesson 2 Supervision of the Referral Process Lesson Goal You will be able to make a referral for an inmate with signs of distress or need. Think About This An inmate nervously approaches an officer and tells the officer that they are having a hard time and would like to talk to someone. The off...

Lesson 2 Supervision of the Referral Process Lesson Goal You will be able to make a referral for an inmate with signs of distress or need. Think About This An inmate nervously approaches an officer and tells the officer that they are having a hard time and would like to talk to someone. The officer says that they don’t have time to deal with personal problems and suggests that the inmate talk to some of the other inmates instead. Weeks go by with none of the officers noticing that the inmate is hoarding bedsheets to use in a suicide at- tempt. Luckily, the inmate is discovered and stopped. Could the situation have been prevented from escalating? Referral Services in the Facility It is critical that you effectively observe and recognize an inmate in distress and in need of refer- ral services. You must become familiar with your agency’s referral process to make sure that the inmate receives the appropriate care. ✅ CO602.1. Know the different referral services available to inmates Cooperation and adequate communication between you and the service provider are vital to the proper care and treatment of inmates. Inmates may be referred to the following providers: medical dental psychiatric chaplain substance abuse services classification (for example, housing location or work assignment) additional services that may be provided, such as educational or legal services Being familiar with the referral process will allow for a prompt response, needed resources for the inmate, and safety and security of the facility. Identifying the Need for a Referral Sudden or unusual changes in an inmate’s behavior may indicate the need for a referral. Being famil- iar with inmates under your supervision allows you to observe and recognize changes in behavior. Chapter 6 Supervising in a Correctional Facility / 163 Information used for a referral may include statements made by the inmate, observed behavior, or another reason, such as a personal crisis. Providing this information may help the service provider determine the proper treatment. ✅ CO602.2. Recognize changes in inmate behavior that may require a referral Some signs and symptoms of distress or need are illness, physical pain, odd movement, or unre- sponsiveness. Obvious signs or changes to observe in an inmate may include difficulty in walking, low energy, screaming, crying, weight loss, a rash, or a severe cough. It is important to be aware of changes in behavior, especially when these changes happen suddenly. Behavioral changes include giving away belongings, wanting to be alone, not eating, acting strangely, having unusual interac- tions with others, being restless, or showing signs of poor personal hygiene. Psychological symp- toms may require more interaction to determine the severity of the need. These symptoms may include abrupt changes in demeanor, mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Inmates may request a referral for services; treat this request in the same way as if you observed the need. Staff, friends, family members, or other inmates may report strange inmate behavior. Cell searches may also reveal suicide notes or other evidence that an inmate needs referral services. Base your decision for an inmate referral on information you obtain and your knowledge of the facility’s available services. After careful assessment, refer the inmate to the most appropriate service provider. For example, if you observe bizarre behavior, you should make a psychological referral. Illnesses and injuries require a medical referral. If the type of service the inmate needs is not obvious, contact your supervisor for further direction. Making the Referral Once you identify the need for a referral, gather relevant facts to explain your decision. Personally observe the inmate, and interview the inmate, staff, or others. Tell the service provider about the inmate’s specific actions and behaviors, avoiding generaliza- tions. Statements such as “acting weird” may not be helpful; instead, use more specific language such as “the inmate was talking to the wall” or the inmate was “unresponsive and staring off into space.” It is essential that you take good field notes to adequately relay the information to the service provider and later document the incident. ✅ CO602.3. Know the process for making an inmate referral Follow these basic steps when making a referral: Identify the need for a referral. Interview the inmate, staff, or others. Contact service providers. Request an escort if necessary. 164 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1  Make the referral. Document the incident. Each agency may have different procedures for making referrals. It is your responsibility to know your agency’s requirements. Officer Response to Inmate Need ✅ CO602.4. Know your responsibilities after making an inmate referral Once you determine the need for a referral, keep the inmate under close observation. Until the inmate is in the care of the service provider, you are responsible for taking necessary action so that no harm comes to the inmate or anyone else. For example, apply first aid as necessary or intervene to prevent a suicide. Remember to use universal precautions, including PPE, as needed. Threats to officer safety may exist when responding to inmates in distress. Be cautious; an inmate could pretend medical distress to cause a distraction. Assess the situation and determine if it is reasonably safe to respond to the inmate. From a security standpoint, recognize that an inmate might try to assume the identity of another inmate. Confirm the identity of the inmate being referred. Always respond when an inmate reports or displays medical or psychological distress. Inmate Movement and Documentation ✅ CO602.5. Know who to notify and how to move an inmate after making a referral The control room or a supervisor will coordinate movement of inmates who have received a referral inside a correctional facility. When an escort is necessary, security considerations before movement include the inmate’s classification level, types of restraints used, and number of officers needed. When the inmate arrives at the destination, notify the control room or supervisor that the move- ment of the inmate is completed. Any time an inmate has been referred, communicate with other appropriate staff. This communica- tion is usually passed along verbally or through a daily log. Share details of the referral, follow-up requirements, and assessment with other shifts. Documentation of an inmate referral varies among correctional agencies. This documentation is forwarded from the housing unit to the service provider. Typically, this documentation is a narra- tive report that addresses the need for the referral, the proper identification of the inmate being referred, and the service provider. Chapter 6 Supervising in a Correctional Facility / 165