TULSA, Okla. –
Consultants hired to monitor how the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services complies with a consent decree criticized the agency for a lack of urgency and absence of substantial progress in meeting court-ordered deadlines and milestones.
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said he found the findings somewhat shocking, but said his prosecutors continue to see the impact of delays attributed to the agency. Kunzweiler has often criticized ODMHSAS for not promptly and properly evaluating people for mental health issues and legal competency. The latter issue, he said, brings prosecutions to a halt and delays resolution of a criminal case.
People being held against their will who have competency considerations, let’s make sure we’re moving that process along faster, rather than kicking that can down the road.
Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa Co District Attorney
The Court Consultants report detailed longer wait times for evaluations, and a recent sharp drop in admissions to the Oklahoma Forensic Center, despite increasing demand. The court has ordered the Department to issue its own report by January 30 detailing how it will meet the requirements of the decree reached last year.
The work required under the consent decree is complex and will take time to complete. ODMHSAS is continuing to review the court consultants’ input and apply it as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the system and make sustained progress for Oklahomans.
Department Spokesperson