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SCR 21

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITY STAFF MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE CLINICAL COUNSELING SERVICES THAT ARE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO INMATES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 8 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests its prison department create separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff to address occupational trauma and mental health needs distinct from inmate resources.

Re-referred to FIN, referral sheet 33
#correctionalfacilitystaff #dcr #in-houseclinicalcounselingservices
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Bill Summary · SCR 21

Legislative bill overview

SCR 21 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish and provide clinical counseling services specifically for correctional facility staff members, separate from the mental health resources currently available to inmates. The bill acknowledges that correctional workers face unique occupational stressors and trauma exposure that warrant dedicated professional support.

Why is this important

Correctional staff experience high rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide compared to the general population due to workplace violence exposure, shift work, and secondary trauma. Providing dedicated counseling services addresses staff burnout and retention issues, which directly impact facility safety, operational effectiveness, and reduce long-term costs associated with staff turnover and workers' compensation claims.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The resolution does not specify how these services will be funded or their estimated budget impact, raising questions about feasibility and whether existing mental health budgets will be reallocated from inmates
  • Implementation clarity: The bill lacks detail on service delivery mechanisms (in-house clinicians, contracted providers, peer support programs), creating uncertainty about actual program quality and accessibility
  • Scope concerns: "Clinical counseling services" is broadly defined without specifying whether this includes crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, family counseling, or suicide prevention protocols

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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