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HCR 63

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 Linda Ichiyama

Hawaii requests its corrections department establish separate clinical counseling services for staff to address occupational mental health and trauma distinct from inmate resources.

Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1590), recommending referral to FIN.
#correctionalfacilitystaff #dcr #in-houseclinicalcounselingservices
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Bill Summary · HCR 63

Legislative bill overview

HCR 63 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish dedicated clinical counseling services for correctional facility staff members. These services would operate separately from mental health resources currently available to inmates, addressing staff wellness as a distinct priority from incarcerated populations.

Why is this important

Correctional staff face significant occupational stress, trauma exposure, and mental health challenges that often go unaddressed, contributing to burnout, suicide, and turnover in an already understaffed system. Dedicating separate counseling services acknowledges that staff have different therapeutic needs than inmates and may feel uncomfortable accessing the same resources, potentially improving retention and workplace safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding uncertainty: The resolution requests services but doesn't specify funding mechanisms or budget allocation, raising questions about implementation feasibility during potential budget constraints
  • Separate vs. integrated services debate: Some may argue that pooling resources could serve both populations more efficiently, while others contend separation is necessary for staff comfort and appropriate confidentiality boundaries
  • Scope ambiguity: The resolution doesn't clarify whether counseling would be mandatory, voluntary, or how it would be delivered (in-house, contracted providers, peer support), leaving implementation details undefined

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

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