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For 2017, Prison Officials Look To Enhance Mental Health Treatment For Florida Inmates

Florida Channel

Florida prison officials say they’re looking to enhance the mental health treatment of inmates—particularly in the Panhandle. But, they need to hire more than 100 employees to meet that goal. Kim Banks is the Chief Financial Officer for the Florida Department of Corrections.

“The Department is requesting $16.3 million and 104 FTE [Full Time Employees] to begin stabilizing our mental health population through the creation of a residential mental health unit at Wakulla CI [Correctional Institution],” said Banks. “The augmented services offered by this unit will enhance mental health treatment and reduce the number of inmates referred to close management.”

Banks spoke during a recent meeting of the Public Safety Legislative Budget Review. That panel, led by the Governor’s Policy Coordinator for Public Safety, listens to law enforcement agencies’ legislative budget requests ahead of the 2017 legislative session.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.