Justice Delayed: Missouri's Mental Health Exam Backlog
A Critical Issue Comes to Light
In Missouri, a serious issue has emerged. Individuals accused of crimes and requiring mental health exams are languishing in jail for unacceptably long periods. A group of concerned citizens has taken the state to court, demanding that the Missouri Department of Mental Health expedite the process.
The Lawsuit: Seeking Justice and Reform
Filed recently, the lawsuit calls for significant changes. It names the Department of Mental Health and several state officials. The plaintiffs include friends and family of those stuck in jail, awaiting exams. They argue that the state is violating the law and the rights of these individuals.
The Core Problem: Excessive Wait Times
The primary issue? Long delays. After an exam, if someone is deemed mentally unfit to stand trial, they wait an average of 14 months in jail. State law mandates their immediate transfer to a treatment facility—but this is not happening.
Local Cases Highlight the Crisis
- A murder suspect in Jefferson City, charged in 2018, waited five years to be declared incompetent to stand trial.
- Another tragic case involves Brooke Bailey, who died while waiting for an exam in the Cooper County Jail in 2023. Two jail staffers were charged in her death.
Demanding Action: The Plaintiffs' Request
The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to force the state to:
- Reduce wait times for mental health exams.
- Address the shortage of mental health beds for those deemed incompetent.
A System in Crisis
This lawsuit shines a light on a critical issue. It's not just about legal technicalities—it's about real people trapped in the system, waiting years for the help they need. The state has a responsibility to act, and the court must now decide whether to compel them to do so.
