New York’s Protection & Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program

Report and Recommendations on the
Treatment of Individuals with Intellectual,
Developmental, and Mental Health
Disabilities at Sullivan Correctional Facility
July 2016

725 Broadway, Suite 450
Albany, New York 12207
(518) 427 -6561 (fax)

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(585) 348-9823 (fax)

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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................................1
I.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION .............................................................................5

II.

INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS .....................................................................................................................7

III.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS ...................................................... 31

IV.

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................. 36

ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Disability Rights New York (“DRNY”) is the designated federal Protection and Advocacy
System (“P&A”) for individuals with disabilities in New York State.1 DRNY has broad
authority to investigate incidents of abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities.2 DRNY
also has the authority to monitor the service delivery systems for people with disabilities across
the State.
Because of complaints received in November 2014, DRNY investigated allegations of abuse and
neglect of incarcerated individuals with disabilities in the New York State Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”) system, and monitored the specialized
programs operated by DOCCS and the New York State Office of Mental Health (“OMH”). This
report sets forth DRNY’s findings and recommendations concerning Sullivan Correctional
Facility’s Correctional Alternative Rehabilitation Program (“CAR”), which DOCCS opened in
May 2014.
DOCCS created CAR to address the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (“ID/DD”) and to serve as a rehabilitative alternative to punitive isolation in the
Special Housing Unit (“SHU”). Individuals with ID/DD who receive punishment of isolation
over 30 days in SHU are transferred to CAR, where they complete their punitive segregation
sanction, but receive up to four hours of out-of-cell, therapeutic programming per day. CAR has
available housing for up to 64 individuals. Although DOCCS designed CAR for individuals
with ID/DD, participants in CAR may have a concurrent mental health diagnosis.
CAR is one element of SHU reforms that resulted from the Peoples v. Fischer litigation brought
by the New York Civil Liberties Union about the use of solitary confinement.3 The creation of
CAR is a crucial positive step in the development of progressive and therapeutic responses to the
needs of incarcerated persons with ID/DD, many of whom have co-occurring mental health
needs. The decision to establish CAR represents a significant commitment by the fifth largest
corrections department in the country4 to re-align inmate management practices around

1

DRNY is supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse
& Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation
Services Administration; and the Social Security Administration. This report does not represent
the views, positions, or policies of, or the endorsement of, any of these federal agencies.
2
See generally Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (“DD Act”), 42
U.S.C. § 15041 et seq.; Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act
(“PAIMI Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 10801 et seq.; Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights Act
(“PAIR Act”), 29 U.S.C. § 794e; N.Y. Exec. Law § 558(b).
3
Settlement, Peoples v. Fisher, No. 11-cv-2694 (No. 137), available at
http://www.nyclu.org/files/releases/20151216_settlementagreement_filed.pdf.
4
U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Prisoners in 2013, at 3,
http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p13.pdf.
1

principles of rehabilitation and treatment, rather than punitive segregation that is associated with
psychological harm.5
On November 20-21, 2014, DRNY visited Sullivan Correctional Facility’s special programs,
including CAR, SHU, the Residential Crisis Treatment Program (“RCTP”), the Sensorial
Disabled Program (“SDP”), and the Special Needs Unit (“SNU”).6 During this visit, CAR
program participants complained to DRNY about excessive force and denial of treatment or
services. Accordingly, DRNY returned to CAR on January 9, 2015 and August 11-13, 2015.
DRNY spoke with executive staff and privately interviewed CAR program participants. DRNY
also reviewed mental health and security records.
The participants described CAR as nothing more than a “slightly modified box.”7 During
DRNY’s investigation and monitoring, DOCCS acted upon DRNY’s feedback about CAR and
made positive changes. Despite these positive changes, DRNY continues to find deficiencies in
the structural framework, program design, and implementation of CAR.
Specifically, DRNY has found that:
1. DOCCS has provided an appropriate physical space for programming.
2. DOCCS has designed an effective and well-received program curriculum.
3. DOCCS has established an under-inclusive eligibility process that fails to identify all
CAR-eligible individuals.
4. CAR has an ill-defined program advancement system based on behavioral
standards that do not adequately accommodate disability.
5. DOCCS policy allows program graduates to return to SHU.
5

See, e.g., Fatos Kaba, Andrea Lewis, Sarah Glowa-Kollisch, James Hadler, David Lee, Howard
Alper, Daniel Selling, Ross MacDonald, Angela Solimo, Amanda Parsons, & Homer Venters,
Solitary Confinement and Risk of Self-Harm Among Jail Inmates, 104 AM. J. PUBLIC HEALTH
442, 445 (2014) (finding that people who were punished by solitary confinement were
approximately 6.9 times as likely to commit acts of self-harm).
6
SHU is a 24-bed unit where DOCCS holds individuals in solitary confinement for 23 hours per
day for punishment. DOCCS transfers individuals to this unit following the imposition of
disciplinary sanctions or pending a disciplinary hearing (pre-hearing confinement). The RCTP is
part of a satellite mental health unit at Sullivan Correctional Facility operated by OMH. The
RCTP consists of eight crisis observation cells for individuals who require immediate mental
health evaluation or observation. SDP is a unit designed to assist individuals who have been
accommodated for visual and/or hearing impairments. As of April 18, 2016, SDP had a census
of 57 individuals. SNU is 64-bed unit that provides long-term habilitative services to individuals
who DOCCS has identified as developmentally disabled, or who have significant intellectual
and/or adaptive deficits.
7
“Box” is prison slang for SHU.
2

6. DOCCS places CAR eligible individuals in SHU outside the “exceptional
circumstances” process.
7. DOCCS does not consistently utilize non-punitive alternatives to level regression
and incentive removal.
8. DOCCS has imposed additional SHU sanctions and other punitive discipline upon
CAR program participants.
9. CAR does not have clear or adequate standards for discharge from the program
and DOCCS does not apply the existing discharge standards consistently.
10. DOCCS and OMH have not provided sufficient accommodations to enable
participants with co-occurring mental health disabilities to access mental health
services.
11. DOCCS and OMH have not utilized crisis intervention as a response to mental
health crises resulting in neglect and an increased risk of harm.
12. DOCCS has subjected program participants to unnecessary use of force resulting in
injuries and an increased risk of harm.
If CAR is to succeed as an effective therapeutic alternative to SHU, DOCCS and OMH must
address the deficiencies identified in this report. Although DOCCS and OMH do not jointly
operate CAR, they share responsibility for ensuring that individuals’ well-known treatment needs
are not ignored. DRNY makes the following key recommendations, which are discussed more
fully in Section III of this report:
1. DOCCS and OMH, in coordination with outside experts, must develop evaluative
criteria that utilize best practices to properly identify and admit those eligible for
CAR.
2. DOCCS and OMH must eliminate the “exit ramps” that lead back to SHU.
3. DOCCS and OMH must ensure that the structure and programming of CAR
supports the habilitation of individuals with ID/DD and adaptive deficits by using
non-punitive interventions and incorporating heightened manifestation
determination procedures.
4. DOCCS and OMH must improve access to mental health services by providing
reasonable accommodations to individuals who need assistance making requests for
services.
5. DOCCS and OMH must adopt best practices in crisis intervention to improve
treatment and assessment of individuals with mental health needs.

3

6. DOCCS and OMH must solicit technical assistance from independent experts to
review the delivery of mental health services.
7. DOCCS and OMH must review patients who repeatedly transfer to and from the
RCTP and CAR or SHU, and patients deemed to be “malingering.”
8. DOCCS must integrate best practices in crisis intervention by revising its use of
force policy.
9. DOCCS and OMH must review the reasons for admission to the RCTP and the
quality of treatment provided to mental health patients with lengthy and/or
recurrent RCTP admissions, including individuals who have been involved in uses
of force.
10. DOCCS and OMH must investigate and when appropriate remedy numerous,
persistent, and credible complaints with regard to treatment, programming, and
environmental conditions.
11. In consultation with an outside expert, DOCCS and OMH must develop and
provide comprehensive training on recognizing signs of mental illness, managing
and caring for populations with ID/DD and co-occurring mental illness, and crisis
intervention practices.
12. DOCCS must collect, analyze, and make publicly available census data and
statistical data on the CAR population.
It is critical that DOCCS and OMH take these corrective actions to address problems with
program design and implementation and, specifically, address the persistent and credible
allegations of abuse that are detailed in DRNY’s letter dated September 3, 2015.8 DRNY is
confident that its recommendations will assist DOCCS and OMH in realizing the mission of
CAR and promoting a culture of respect for the rights and safety of persons with disabilities in
DOCCS’ custody for the long term.
On May 24, 2016, DRNY sent this report to DOCCS and OMH and invited them to respond to
DRNY’s findings and recommendations. See Addendum B. DOCCS provided its response in a
letter dated July 12, 2016. See Addendum C. DRNY’s response to DOCCS’s July 12 letter can
be found at Addendum D. OMH did not respond to DRNY’s May 24 letter.

8

The letter and the response dated November 5, 2015 from the DOCCS Assistant Commissioner
are an addendum to this report. See Addendum A.
4

I.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION

On November 20-21, 2014, DRNY conducted monitoring and investigation of CAR, SHU, SDP,
and RCTP pursuant to its federal authority.9 DRNY met with facility administrators and
department officials, toured the program areas and housing areas, and spoke with program
participants cell-side. DRNY spoke with over 30 CAR program participants, representing 46.8%
of the CAR census at that time. Many participants complained of excessive force and wrongful
denial of program and services.
During December 2014, DRNY reviewed DOCCS and facility policies and exchanged legal
correspondence with program participants who complained of excessive force and wrongful
denial of treatment and services.
On January 9, 2015, DRNY met privately with two CAR program participants.
On August 11-13, 2015, DRNY monitored CAR. During this visit, DRNY spoke with executive
staff, toured CAR, and interviewed 49 program participants representing over 90% of the CAR
census at that time.
Between January 2015 and February 2016, DRNY corresponded with CAR program participants
and reviewed records.
As a result of its investigation and monitoring, DRNY identified the following issues and
allegations that warranted further investigation:
1. Corrections staff are using force in the CAR housing area that is unnecessary for the
situations or infractions at issue, and are verbally disrespectful toward program
participants.10
2. Corrections staff are ill equipped to work with individuals with ID/DD, due to
deficiencies in training.
9

See generally Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (“DD Act”), 42
U.S.C. § 15041 et seq.; Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act
(“PAIMI Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 10801 et seq.; Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights Act
(“PAIR Act”), 29 U.S.C. § 794e; N.Y. Exec. Law § 558(b); see also 45 C.F.R. § 1386.27.
10
DRNY notified DOCCS of allegations of excessive use of force and verbal abuse in a letter to
Superintendent William Keyser dated September 3, 2015. DRNY has attached a redacted
version of this letter as an addendum to this report, along with DOCCS’s reply. DRNY will not
repeat its detailed accounting of the allegations of abuse in the body of this report, but
incorporates it by reference. DRNY has not investigated these allegations, and has asked
DOCCS to investigate, which it has promised to do. DRNY does note that the large number of
such complaints, their consistency, and their specificity in identifying particular alleged
perpetrators, makes these allegations credible and warrants thorough investigation. The
complaints consistently note that many of the alleged assaults occurred in the CAR property
room, and DOCCS should install audiovisual equipment in the property room and any other
areas of CAR that are not currently subject to audiovisual recording.
5

3. CAR lacks a coherent behavioral management system informed by crisis intervention
principles.
4. Corrections staff are issuing excessive “negatives” and misbehavior reports for imperfect
adherence to rules.
5. Mental health staff disclose protected health information to corrections staff, placing
program participants at risk of retaliation or abuse.
6. Mental health staff did not provide adequate treatment to CAR program participants.
7. DOCCS discharges program participants from CAR to SHU prior to their completion of
the program and prior to their completion of their SHU sanction.
8. DOCCS transfers program participants out of CAR based on inadequate testing, and
denies admission to CAR based on the same inadequate tests.
9. DOCCS transfers program participants out of CAR based upon misbehavior without the
proper due process.

6

II.

INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS11

DOCCS HAS PROVIDED AN APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL SPACE FOR
PROGRAMMING
DOCCS HAS DESIGNED AN EFFECTIVE AND WELL-RECEIVED PROGRAM
CURRICULUM
Maintenance of behavioral health is contingent upon the presence of a safe environment and
access to supportive interventions. Safe spaces lead to the development of positive social and
independent living skills, which improve the likelihood of successful community integration
upon release. DRNY finds that the CAR program space is clean and bright. DOCCS allocated a
room for private clinical interviews in the programming area, and program rooms were equipped
with “Re-start chairs,” making the rooms feel like classrooms.12 The majority of participants
interviewed were pleased with the CAR program space.
Additionally, a majority of participants shared positive reviews of the CAR curriculum. Program
participants stated that CAR teachers are helpful and committed. DRNY observed teachers
engaging program participants in the curriculum and encouraging learning and development.
Program participants consistently stated that the CAR classroom program has helped them
manage anger, respond appropriately to conflict, and handle social situations effectively.
Interviewees also stated that the CAR classroom program has improved their reading, writing,
and math skills.
Recommended Action
DRNY encourages DOCCS to continue to develop classroom and congregate programming
spaces throughout the state correctional system to expand the availability of therapeutic
programming. DRNY also encourages DOCCS to continue to develop the CAR curriculum, and
to devote the necessary resources toward the hiring of highly qualified staff year-round.

11

Where appropriate, DRNY has included complaint examples throughout this report. These
examples represent a small fraction of the complaints DRNY has received over the course of its
investigation and monitoring. DRNY has assigned a pseudonym to each program participant
because DRNY is required to keep the identity of complainants confidential. 45 C.F.R. §
1386.28(b)(1)(i)-(iv); 42 C.F.R. § 51.41(a).
12
The “Re-start chair” uses a floor-level locking device to secure the program participant to the
chair using ankle restraints. A desk connects to a small chair.
7

DOCCS HAS ESTABLISHED AN UNDER-INCLUSIVE ELIGIBILITY PROCESS
WHICH FAILS TO IDENTIFY ALL CAR-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS
The eligibility and evaluative process is under inclusive and excludes people with ID/DD who
should be in CAR. DOCCS created CAR to “address the special needs of inmates with
intellectual and adaptive deficits who are serving disciplinary sanctions in SHU.”13 Yet, even
though CAR’s target population are individuals with adaptive deficits, DOCCS does not conduct
adaptive assessments as part of the CAR eligibility process.14 The Peoples final settlement does
not address this problem.
DOCCS conducts brief intelligence screening tests for all individuals entering its system at four
reception centers. Thereafter, DOCCS conducts full-scale intelligence quotient (“IQ”) testing for
individuals who have scored below 70 on the brief intelligence screening tests. DOCCS
conducts full-scale IQ testing either at the receiving facility or at CAR upon referral.
DOCCS stated that it relies almost exclusively upon IQ testing as a method for determining CAR
eligibility. In place of adaptive assessments, DOCCS relies on measures of reading and writing
capability, observations, and inmate records. However, near-exclusive reliance on IQ testing is
problematic because IQ testing is subject to a series of variables that may influence scores.15
Invalid scores result from the exclusive use of brief intelligence screening tests or group tests,
invalid instruments, or the presence of co-occurring disorders that affect communication,
language, and/or motor or sensory function.16 Even if DOCCS were to control for these issues
by norming instruments for an individual’s socio-cultural background and native language, and
ensuring that trained professionals conduct the testing, IQ scores will still be approximations and
may be invalid or unreliable.17 For example, the WAIS-IV has a standard deviation of 15 and a
margin of error of five points.18 Individuals who score above 70 on the WAIS-IV may still
evince issues with verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual reasoning, quantitative
reasoning, abstract thought, or cognitive efficiency.19 IQ testing together with adaptive
assessments will ensure that DOCCS does not erroneously screen eligible individuals out of
CAR.
DOCCS has not acted upon earlier recommendations to incorporate adaptive assessments. In
1991, the New York State Commission on Quality Care for the Mentally Disabled (“CQC”)
13

Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Correctional Alternative
Rehabilitation (CAR) Program 5 (2014) (hereinafter “CAR Program Manual”).
14
While evaluators are encouraged to gather source material related to academic, vocational, and
educational background, they are not required to do so.
15
AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION, DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL
DISORDERS 37 (David J. Kupfer, M.D., Task Force Chair, 5th ed. 2013).
16
Id.
17
Id.
18
Simon Whitaker, Error in the Estimation of Intellectual Ability in the Low Range Using the
WISC-IV and WAIS-III, 48 PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 517 (2010). Due to its
margin of error, a score of 75, for example, may not indicate a greater impairment than a score of
79.
19
DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS, supra note 15, at 37.
8

published Inmates with Developmental Disabilities in New York State Correctional Facilities,
which is the most recent public comprehensive assessment of DOCCS’ services available to
inmates with ID/DD. CQC determined that New York did not formally incorporate adaptive
assessments into its screening processes and that, as a result, DOCCS did not identify or treat
individuals with adaptive deficits appropriately. In 2016, DOCCS still faces this problem.
Recommended Corrective Action
As long as DOCCS uses IQ score as the sole quantitative method of eligibility, it will screen out
those who, based on adaptive deficits or some combination of intellectual functioning and
adaptive deficits, should be in CAR. DRNY recommends that DOCCS revise its eligibility
process in collaboration with independent experts. During its August 11, 2015 visit, DRNY
recommended that DOCCS look to best practices for assessing the adaptive functioning of
incarcerated individuals. DOCCS was receptive to this idea. DRNY, therefore, provides the
eligibility scheme adopted by California in Section III. This eligibility scheme may be improved
upon in consultation with experts.

9

CAR HAS AN ILL-DEFINED PROGRAM ADVANCEMENT SYSTEM BASED ON
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS THAT DO NOT ADEQUATELY ACCOMMODATE
DISABILITY
Once admitted to CAR, individuals participate in programming intended to address their social,
academic, and rehabilitative needs. To advance, program participants must consistently attend
this programming without displaying behavioral problems.20 DRNY found, however, that CAR
has ill-defined benchmarks for program advancement based on behavioral standards that do not
adequately accommodate disability. To be effective, the CAR behavioral modification system
must include realistic and obtainable goals. A successful behavioral modification system uses a
4:1 ratio of positive, affirming statements for every expression of disapproval, and treats
interaction as an opportunity to model positive behaviors.21 Perhaps most importantly, a
successful behavioral modification system does not punish inmates where negative behavior is a
manifestation of disability.22
DRNY received complaints that DOCCS holds program participants to unreasonably difficult
standards of behavior and punishes participants when they do not meet those standards. DRNY
investigated these complaints by reviewing the CAR rehabilitation level system and found that
program advancement was contingent on refraining from behaviors that are common
manifestations of ID/DD. For example, program participants must:
(1) demonstrate an appropriate level of program participation;
(2) demonstrate respectfulness to themselves, peers, and staff as evidenced by expressing
themselves calmly in groups and other situations (e.g. not yelling, coercing, demanding,
or threatening);
(3) keep themselves and their cells clean and neat;
(4) express negative emotions appropriately in all situations; and
(5) move between groups and programs without being disruptive.23
These criteria relate to verbal expression, self-care, attention, and emotion. Some criteria are
subjective (e.g. demonstrating “appropriate” levels of participation), or leave little margin for
error (e.g. participants must “attend and participate in all programming”).24 Deficits in these
areas may be manifestations of disability. With a clear and consistently applied behavioral
modification system, program participants may learn to modify manifestations of their disability.
As currently written, however, the standards do not foster widespread learning and rehabilitation,
20

CAR Program Manual, supra note 13, at 13-20.
Frank Domurad and Mark Carey, Implementing Evidence-Based Practices, THE CENTER FOR
EFFECTIVE
PUBLIC
POLICY,
(2009),
http://www.cepp.com/documents/implementing%20evidence%20based%20practices.pdf.
22
State education regulations operationalize this principle by requiring a behavioral intervention
plan—not discipline—for an individual whose problematic behavior is a manifestation of a
disability. See, e.g., N.Y. COMP. CODES, R. & REGS. tit. 8, § 201.4 (requiring schools to review
the relationship between a student’s disability and behavior subject to disciplinary action to
determine whether the conduct is a manifestation of disability).
23
CAR Program Manual, supra note 13, at 17.
24
Id.
21

10

and leave too much discretion to CAR staff to treat behavior as a disciplinary issue rather than a
manifestation of disability.
Program Participant A
Program Participant A stated that he was nearly promoted to level 2, but got one
negative for fishing (exchanging items between cells using rope), and so was forced to do
another 30 days at level 1.
When Program Participant A challenged this strict
punishment, officers allegedly told him, “this is our house; you are not going to win.”
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS revise its rehabilitation level system in collaboration with
experts. During its August 11, 2015 visit, DRNY recommended that DOCCS look to best
practices for creating a behavioral modification system for incarcerated individuals with ID/DD.
DOCCS was receptive to this idea.

11

DOCCS POLICY ALLOWS PROGRAM GRADUATES TO RETURN TO SHU, AND
DOCCS PLACES PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS IN SHU OUTSIDE THE
“EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES” PROCESS
DOCCS executive staff informed DRNY that individuals who complete CAR before the
expiration of their SHU or keeplock25 sentence receive an automatic time cut. DOCCS policy,
however, states that if a program participant completes CAR prior to the completion of his SHU
or keeplock sentence, the Review Committee and Superintendent can decide to cut remaining
SHU or keeplock time.26 It is antithetical to rehabilitation to send a program participant back to
SHU after successful completion of CAR. To the extent that DOCCS allows this to happen, it
should amend its policies. Upon a program participant’s successful completion of CAR,
DOCCS should cut all remaining SHU time and relocate the program participant to SNU,
General Population (“GP”), or an appropriate specialized program. DOCCS should never
discharge an individual to SHU after his completion of CAR.
Additionally, DOCCS should not place program participants in SHU without first utilizing the
“exceptional circumstances” process. During DRNY’s August 11-13, 2015 visit, more than half
of the 19 CAR program participants that DRNY privately interviewed stated that DOCCS
subjected them to a “cooling off” period in SHU after their receipt of a misbehavior report.
During DRNY’s meeting with executive staff, DOCCS confirmed that it subjects CAR program
participants to “cooling off” periods in SHU, even when participants will likely return to CAR.
One program participant stated that this happens with such regularity that “[CAR program
participants] are the only people in the box.” Program participants complained that DOCCS
curtails their progress through CAR by placing them in SHU, and uses SHU placement far too
frequently as punishment for misbehavior. This practice undermines CAR’s rehabilitative
mission. The touchstone of CAR should be the use of the least restrictive alternative at all times,
including during the pre-hearing process.
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS revise its discharge and “cooling off” policies to bring them
into compliance with the Peoples settlement. The Peoples settlement mandates the placement of
eligible individuals in CAR unless there is a documented “exceptional circumstance.” DOCCS
should eliminate the practice of using SHU to “cool people off.” CAR graduates should transfer
to SNU, GP, or an appropriate specialized program. DRNY encourages DOCCS to utilize nonpunitive approaches to maladaptive behavior.
25

Keeplock is a form of punishment DOCCS imposes for less serious disciplinary infractions.
Keeplock prisoners are subjected to 23 hours of isolation per day, often in a cell within general
population or within a block of keeplock cells within a facility. Prisoners sentenced to keeplock
may also be transferred to SHU to serve their keeplock time, where they are subject to the same
restrictions as those sentenced directly to SHU. N.Y. COMP. CODES, R. & REGS. tit. 7, §§ 2511.6, 253.7, 254.7. See also NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, BOXED IN: THE TRUE COST OF
EXTREME ISOLATION IN NEW YORK’S PRISONS 17 (2013) (describing the use of keeplock in New
York State).
26
CAR Program Manual, supra note 13, at 10.
12

In addition, whenever the Review Committee recommends that a participant be excluded from
the program, a manifestation determination process, led by an appropriately trained and licensed
clinician, should be used to determine whether the participant is being excluded on the basis of
disability-related behavior. If so, the participant should not be excluded but instead should be
evaluated to determine what supports are required to allow the participant to continue in the
program.

13

DOCCS INAPPROPRIATELY USES LEVEL REGRESSION AND INCENTIVE
REMOVAL INSTEAD OF NON-PUNITIVE ALTERNATIVES
The CAR program manual emphasizes that “relapses into inappropriate behaviors can result in
the loss of incentives or . . . a return to a previous level.”27 For the sake of clarity, DRNY has
termed the “return to a previous level” system “level regression.” DRNY spoke with many
program participants subjected to a reduction in incentives, level regression, or both.
Program Participant B
Program Participant B stated that he was a Progressive Inmate Management System
(PIMS) level 3 in a SHU 200 prior to his transfer to CAR. A SHU 200 is a stand-alone
SHU building on the grounds of a medium security prison. SHU 200 prisoners are
subjected to 23 hours of isolation per day and are permitted one hour of recreation in a
cage attached to their cell. SHU 200 inmates do not receive programming focused on
developing or maintaining pro-social skills. Program Participant B stated that, after
leaving a SHU 200 for CAR, he received six or seven tickets, lost several incentives, and
was ultimately transferred to SHU for a “cooling off period.” Program Participant B
stated that he tried his best to adhere to the manual, but it is “a big phony.” He does not
know what to do to prevent further discipline, and he feels CAR officers targeted him.
For CAR to be successful, rehabilitation must be emphasized over punishment. However, its
manual does not define “inappropriate behavior.” This lack of clarity may result in the
imposition of discipline for disability-related behavior. Additionally, the touchstone of the
Peoples settlement is the utilization of de-escalation and non-punitive alternatives as a first
resort. DOCCS must exhaust non-punitive alternatives before it considers punitive measures.
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS, in consultation with appropriate experts, review the use of
level regression and incentive removal in the CAR program and make necessary changes to
assure that program participants are not punished for disability-related behavior and that
appropriate behavioral supports are provided.
DOCCS also should consult with and seek advice from the Office of Persons with
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) regarding best practices concerning providing behavioral
and other supports to persons with developmental disabilities.

27

Id. at 18.
14

DOCCS HAS IMPOSED ADDITIONAL SHU SANCTIONS AND OTHER PUNITIVE
DISCIPLINE UPON CAR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
DRNY received complaints that program participants received excessive disciplinary sanctions
in CAR. During its August 11-13, 2015 visit, DRNY spoke with 49 program participants cellside and 19 program participants privately. All but one program participant expressed fears of
discipline in CAR that is disproportionate to the offense.
DOCCS policy states, “[i]nfractions may result in additional disciplinary sanctions as outlined in
DOCCS regulations.”28 This is antithetical to the goals of CAR and sets up some program
participants for failure. Many CAR program participants do not yet understand how to avoid
infractions and require assistance in developing enhanced coping skills necessary to manage their
behavior and conform to rules. DOCCS should not conflate punishment with rehabilitation. The
CAR disciplinary system must reflect the tenets of the Peoples final settlement – to promote skill
development as a rehabilitative alternative for SHU inmates with ID/DD.
DRNY finds that DOCCS’ practices of using SHU time, keeplock time, and deprivation orders
violates the stated objectives of CAR as a rehabilitative alternative to SHU. DOCCS should
never impose additional SHU time upon CAR program participants. By creating CAR, DOCCS
has already demonstrated its understanding that individuals with ID/DD do not belong in SHU.
SHU exposes people with ID/DD to psychological harm and runs directly against the
rehabilitative goals of CAR. Furthermore, the imposition of SHU time upon CAR program
participants may result in the continued occupation of a CAR cell, to the detriment of other
individuals who may need CAR bed space.
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY strongly recommends that DOCCS discontinue the imposition of SHU time upon CAR
program participants. DRNY recommends that DOCCS discontinue the imposition of additional
keeplock time and deprivation orders, and DRNY recommends that DOCCS utilize de-escalation
techniques and informational reports.29
DRNY recommends that DOCCS develop a CAR manifestation determination process separate
from the pre-existing hearing process designed solely to determine whether participant
misbehavior relates to disability. During this manifestation determination process, a trained
clinician – not a social worker or teacher – should assess the participant to determine whether the
behavior relates to a disability. If the trained clinician determines that the behavior relates to a
disability, DOCCS policy should preclude the Review Committee from recommending
additional discipline and require the development of a behavioral intervention plan to help
correct the problematic behavior. DOCCS should integrate the behavioral intervention plan into
the participant’s CAR treatment plan.
28

Id. at 19.
Informational reports are reports used to convey positive or negative information to an inmate
about his behavior. They are a communication tool and do not initiate formal discipline. See
CAR Program Manual, supra note 13, at 13.
29

15

DRNY recommends that DOCCS solicit the assistance of an outside expert in training, staffing
and design of CAR incentives and disincentives. Experts should train corrections and mental
health staff on how to serve people with ID/DD.30 Comprehensive training would enable staff to
develop individualized rehabilitation plans that are well defined, appropriate, and utilize
alternatives to discipline.
Executive staff informed DRNY that CAR staff attend a two-day annual training, which includes
lessons on person-centered planning. However, DRNY was unable to assess the quality of
training because DOCCS did not provide materials that DRNY requested. Currently, the CAR
Program Review Committee consists exclusively of DOCCS staff, meaning that DOCCS
exercises the only voices on the committee responsible for making all programmatic decisions
that impact CAR program participants.31 Therefore, DRNY recommends that an outside expert
have an advisory role on the CAR Program Review Committee.

30

The Peoples final settlement agreement mandates de-escalation training; therefore, DRNY
recommends training specific to individuals with ID/DD and co-occurring mental health needs.
31
CAR Program Manual, supra note 13, at 9.
16

CAR DOES NOT HAVE CLEAR OR ADEQUATE STANDARDS FOR DISCHARGE
FROM THE PROGRAM
DOCCS DOES NOT APPLY DISCHARGE STANDARDS CONSISTENTLY
DOCCS FORMALLY DISCHARGES PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO SHU OUTSIDE
OF THE “EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES” PROCESS
DOCCS executive staff stated the Review Committee has discharged program participants prior
to their graduation or completion of SHU sentences. This means CAR program participants have
left CAR with confinement time remaining. Several former participants complained that
DOCCS discharged them from CAR to SHU based upon re-evaluations of full-scale IQ or
individual misbehavior. In some cases, DOCCS allegedly discharged program participants back
to SHU even though participants believed they were benefitting from and demonstrating success
in the program. Some former participants complained that DOCCS transferred them to SHU and
left them there to serve out their SHU sanctions.32
The CAR guidelines make inappropriate discharges more likely. The Review Committee and
Superintendent have unbridled discretion to discharge a program participant to SHU, with a
discretionary review by DOCCS Central Office. Under the guidelines, the Review Committee
and the Superintendent are free to determine that a program participant should serve the
remainder of his disciplinary sanction in SHU. Therefore, DOCCS can remove “problem
inmates” from CAR relatively easily. The wide discretion and undefined procedure regarding
program completion and discharge undermine the purpose of CAR.

32

DRNY reviewed the records of some but not all of these former program participants.
Records confirmed the complaints of program participants and the statements of DOCCS
executive staff.
17

Program Participant C
DRNY met Program Participant C in November 2014. Program Participant C later
wrote to inform DRNY that he was in danger of removal from CAR after receiving a
misbehavior report for “being disruptive and yelling out of his cell making threats to
officers on the block.” According to the misbehavior report, Program Participant C
eventually obeyed a direct order to stop yelling, but he received a ticket anyway.
[One can] get a ticket for any little thing . . . which should not be happening in the CAR
program. I’m here to try to better myself but how can that happen when CO’s & higher ups
don’t want this program to work? All I ask is that these things be addressed professional.
Approximately two weeks later, Program Participant C wrote:
[Sullivan is not] letting me to go program anymore, because my I.Q. level is too high . . . . I
need this program bad I can change in here if they move me it’s not gonna help me better
myself.”
Ultimately, Program Participant C was moved out of CAR to a SHU at another facility.
He was discharged from the program due to five misbehavior reports and based on a
review of his IQ score (IQ 77). On January 4, 2015, Program Participant C wrote:
I am 21 years old with bad coping skillz [sic] I have 5 years in the box, they are not trying to
give me a program I’m going crazy.
Prior to CAR, Program Participant C accumulated 37 tickets over the span of 24 months.
After receiving five tickets in seven months, DOCCS removed Program Participant C
from CAR. After subjecting him to an almost one-year “cooling off” period,” and after
months of advocacy from DRNY, DOCCS finally transferred Program Participant C
back to CAR.
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS develop objective guidelines regarding discharge that support
the rehabilitative mission of CAR, in consultation with independent experts. DOCCS should
address individual misbehavior through therapeutic programming and person-centered
intervention, rather than through discharge. Any discharge recommendation should be subject to
a codified process of review by DOCCS Central Office.

18

DOCCS AND OMH HAVE NOT PROVIDED SUFFICIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TO
ENABLE PARTICIPANTS WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH
DISABILITIES TO ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
DRNY received numerous complaints from CAR program participants regarding access to
mental health services. Program participants complained that mental health rounds are
infrequent and inconsistent, and that even when rounds are completed, there is no meaningful
opportunity to engage with staff, as cell-side conversations are just minutes-long. Program
participants complained that DOCCS and OMH instruct them to submit written requests for
mental health services.33 However, because some participants’ disabilities affect their writing
ability, and because staff refuse to provide assistance, some program participants are unable to
access mental health services.
A procedure for access to mental health services that relies almost exclusively on written
requests, without the provision of reasonable accommodations, precludes some program
participants from accessing services, in violation of the American with Disabilities Act (“ADA”),
42 U.S.C. § 12132. Barriers to mental health services increase the risk of neglect.
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS and OMH take steps to ensure that they provide reasonable
accommodations. Under the ADA, DOCCS and OMH are required to provide reasonable
accommodations as well as auxiliary aids and services to “afford individuals with disabilities . . .
an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity of
a public entity.” 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(b)(1); see also 28 C.F.R. §35.130(b)(7). DOCCS and OMH
must permit oral requests from participants whose disability impairs the ability to make a written
request, or provide aides to assist in making a written request.

33

To obtain health services, CAR participants are required to “[o]btain a sick call slip from the
Block Officer and fill out a slip with name, number, and locking location” and to “[i]ndicate the
need for the appointment (examples: sick call, dental, medication renewal or medical supply
renewal).” Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Correctional Alternative
Rehabilitation (CAR) Program at Sullivan Correctional Facility, Inmate Orientation Handbook
19 (2014) (hereinafter “CAR Inmate Handbook”).
19

DOCCS AND OMH HAVE NOT UTILIZED CRISIS INTERVENTION TO RESPOND
TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISES, RESULTING IN NEGLECT AND AN INCREASED
RISK OF HARM
DOCCS and OMH have not applied essential principles of crisis intervention in CAR and the
RCTP. Crisis intervention is an evidence-based method of responding to individuals who are in
mental health crisis or who are a danger to themselves or others. A crisis intervention approach
has certain essential values, including:


Avoiding harm



Intervening in person-centered ways



Engaging and honoring the impacted individual in the process of crisis resolution



Addressing trauma



Establishing feelings of personal safety



Addressing the whole person



Respecting the individual as a credible source



Promoting recovery and resilience



Prevention.34

Utilizing these principles, experts view recurring crises not as the product of an individual’s bad
behavior or a willful refusal to participate in treatment, but instead as deficiencies in assessment
and treatment.35 In correctional settings, access to adequate treatment ensures patient health and
can eliminate the need for force by security staff to respond to crises.36 Crisis intervention
improves safety outcomes and is a best practice.37
34

U.S. DEP’T OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION, PRACTICE GUIDELINES: CORE ELEMENTS IN RESPONDING TO MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS 5-7 (2009). The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration of the United
States Department of Health & Human Services recommends that crisis intervention practices be
based on the following principles: “access to supports and services is timely”; “services are
provided in the least restrictive manner”; “peer support is available”; “adequate time is spent
with the individual in crisis”; “plans are strength-based”; “emergency interventions consider the
context of the individual’s overall plan of services”; crisis services are provided by trained
individuals; “individuals in a self-defined crisis are not turned away”; “interveners have a
comprehensive understanding of the crisis”; “helping the individual to regain a sense of control
is the priority”; “services are congruent” with the needs of the individual being served; “rights
are respected”; “services are trauma informed”; “recurring crises signal problems in assessment
or care”; and “meaningful measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of future emergencies.”
Id. at 7-12.
35
Id. at 11.
36
See HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, CALLOUS AND CRUEL: USE OF FORCE AGAINST INMATES WITH
MENTAL DISABILITIES IN U.S. JAILS AND PRISONS 23 (2015) (“Mental health services not only
20

During its monitoring visits, DRNY interviewed individuals who had been admitted to the RCTP
from CAR or SHU after triggering suicide prevention procedures under Correction Law §
137(6)(d)(ii). Although DOCCS and OMH have crisis intervention policies (for example,
procedures for referring patients to the RCTP and monitoring patient safety),38 DRNY received
complaints that mental health staff do not credit reports of symptoms before discharging
individuals back to CAR or SHU. Individuals also complained that security staff antagonize
patients or injure patients in uses of force. To investigate these allegations, DRNY reviewed
hundreds of pages of security and clinical mental health records, as well as security videos,
related to four individuals who were admitted to the RCTP from CAR or SHU.
The cases of Program Participants D and E, described below, illustrate the absence of effective
crisis intervention. Mental health staff dismissed patient complaints as “agenda driven” to avoid
CAR or SHU. This approach results in delayed services. For example, OMH eventually
determined that Program Participant D has serious mental illness, but only after several months
of documenting erratic behavior and evaluating Program Participant D after repeated uses of
force.
Program Participant D
DRNY investigated the treatment of Program Participant D after interviewing him in the
RCTP in November 2014. OMH admitted Program Participant D to the RCTP from
SHU. Program Participant D is a teenager with a dual diagnosis of ID (IQ 66) and
mental illness. He first arrived at CAR in the fall 2014 after serving approximately 380
days in SHU, some of that time as a juvenile. Prior to entering CAR, Program
Participant D accumulated so many disciplinary sanctions that DOCCS planned to
confine him in SHU through November 2017. Based on his diagnosis and history, his
referral to CAR was appropriate. However, Program Participant D never advanced
through CAR. Over several months, Program Participant D repeatedly transferred from
CAR to SHU and then to RCTP after he demonstrated suicidal ideation and a desire to
harm himself.
At one point, Program Participant D remained in the RCTP for crisis observation for 23
consecutive days before being returned to SHU. While in RCTP, Program Participant D
complained about fear of harm from security staff, demonstrated suicidal ideation,
engaged in self-harm, and smeared and ate feces. Mental health staff dismissed Program
Participant D’s behavior as “behavioral,” “not psychotic,” and merely “agenda driven to .
. . avoid SHU and CAR.” He continued to receive tickets in the RCTP, leading to more
SHU sanctions. (Continued on next page)
can help improve the quality of individual prisoners’ lives, but they also promote safety and
order within the prison by reducing rule-breaking and decreasing the need for custody staff to
use force.”).
37
Amy C. Watson & Anjali J. Fulambarker, The Crisis Intervention Team Model of Police
Response to Mental Health Crises: A Primer for Mental Health Practitioners, 8 BEST PRACT
MENT HEALTH 2, 5 (2012).
38
Central New York Psychiatric Center, Policy #4.0: RCTP Observation Cells.
21

Program Participant D (continued)
Program Participant D repeatedly sought assistance from mental health staff in managing
conditions in CAR. For example, in addition to reporting that he felt unsafe from staff,
he expressed feelings of helplessness and complained that staff did not listen to or treat
his requests seriously. Even as Program Participant D’s behavior escalated with acts of
self-harm and extremely unsanitary behavior, neither mental health staff in the RCTP nor
the CAR administrators addressed his behavior from a crisis intervention perspective.
Despite signs of severe psychological distress, mental health staff and DOCCS staff
concluded that Program Participant D was simply “acting out” for secondary gain.
DRNY found little indication in Program Participant D’s record that mental health staff
worked with him to address his fears and his behaviors, or provided counseling on ways
to access services or treatment.
DOCCS ultimately transferred Program Participant D out of CAR for being “repeatedly
disruptive” and placed him in SHU at another facility. After months of continued
advocacy by DRNY, Program Participant D was finally designated as an individual with
serious mental illness and diverted to a residential mental health program under
Correction Law § 137(6)(d).
DRNY determined that DOCCS and OMH failed to provide adequate care and
treatment to address the root causes of Program Participant D’s behavior and promote
stabilization and long-term recovery. Despite Program Participant D’s need for
intervention, he was perceived by mental health staff to be manipulative and denied
access to the mental health services he needed.

Program Participant E
Program Participant E was transferred from Southport, an all-SHU prison, to Sullivan’s
RCTP. He exhibited signs of severe decompensation when interviewed by DRNY. He
described suicidal thoughts and hallucinations—a shadow sat on his bed and taunted
him—and he explained that medications helped minimize the shadow’s visits. He
explained that he shared this information with RCTP staff, but they concluded that he
was reporting psychiatric symptoms just to get out of SHU.
DRNY found that RCTP staff noted Program Participant E’s serious symptoms,
particularly his complaints about hallucinations and voices. Staff documented that he
exhibited delays in responding to questions and exhibited an extremely poor ability to
care for himself by not tending to his basic hygiene, leading staff to note he was “very
malodorous” and to question him about his last shower. Staff also documented that
Program Participant E continued to report suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm
over a period of days. Mental health staff noted that Program Participant E requested
Zyprexa, because it aided him in the past. (Continued on next page)

22

Mental health staff’s preliminary assessment, however, was that Program Participant E
was “feigning symptoms” to avoid being returned to Southport. After seven days in
crisis observation, mental health staff finally prescribed Zyprexa “for impulsivity and
verbal report of voices.” After 14 days, noting that Program Participant E said he felt
somewhat better and that the voices were reduced “a little bit,” mental health staff
discharged him back to Southport, noting “[t]here is no clinical evidence that psychotic
symptomology is present other than his verbalization of voices” and hallucinations.
DRNY has identified a pattern of complaints about the denial of mental health services at
Sullivan. Specifically, staff often determine that patients “malinger”—feign symptoms and seek
treatment to avoid disciplinary confinement—even when records indicate past treatment history
and even when patients supply a reason for mental distress, such as neglect of medical needs,
trauma, or abuse.39
DRNY finds that some mental health staff treat behavioral incidents as volitional and
manipulative, rather than as a manifestation of disability or a response to environmental factors.
For example, while a nurse attempted to explore the reason for Program Participant D’s behavior
(“Feces smeared on all the walls. P[atient] got up from cot and said he was going thru
something when I asked him why he was smearing.”), the following day, a clinical social worker
misstated the nurse’s report, framing Program Participant D’s behavior as aggressive and
volitional. The clinical social worker noted:
Patient still unhygienic, with feces in his cell, smeared on walls. He is not
hygienic to come out for interview. Per Nursing last night, he was saying he was
going to throw something. This morning per Nursing, he was mute to Nurse. He
is eating and drinking. No acts of self-harm. He is not psychotic. He does not
want to go to CAR or SHU and he is apparently willing to remain in fecal matter
to avoid everything.
Mental health policy requires that “[a]ll patients will be offered private clinical interviews in a
confidential area outside of their RCTP cell.”40 Even though Program Participant D evidenced
troubling behavior, the progress note shows that the clinical social worker did not offer an
interview or otherwise engage Program Participant D in an effort to motivate his participation in
counseling and therapy. Instead, the clinical social worker treated Program Participant D’s
behavior as volitional and manipulative.
The clinical social worker also assessed Program Participant E to be manipulative, rather than in
need of services. Specifically, clinical notes show that the clinical social worker did not consider
that mental illness affected Program Participant E’s ability to communicate and behave in
accordance with directions. A day after OMH admitted Program Participant E to the RCTP, the
clinical social worker noted:
39

Ineffective crisis intervention is not unique to Sullivan. Through monitoring and investigation,
DRNY has identified the same pattern at other prisons.
40
Central New York Psychiatric Center, Policy #4.0: RCTP Observation Cells.
23

Patient talks in a very low tone. He was asked numerous times to speak louder
and although he said he would, he never did.
The following day, the clinical social worker noted:
Just as he did yesterday, he speaks in a whisper. He was asked again to speak
loud enough to be heard but he did not. Per UCR progress notes in the past,
patient has the ability to speak louder as well as yell. The fact that he is not
communicating loud enough to be heard indicates that he is uncooperative,
noncompliant, resistant to [mental health services].
When OMH staff evaluate patients without any exploration of what their complaints indicate
about mental health status or capacity for tolerating their environment, staff place patients at risk
of neglect. Timely, person-centered care, coupled with the provision of a safe environment,
would reduce the need for crisis services and free up mental health resources for ongoing
treatment. For months, Program Participant D continued to cycle between the RCTP, CAR, and
SHU, before he was eventually diverted to a residential mental health treatment program, and
ultimately to Central New York Psychiatric Center for inpatient hospitalization.
Sullivan’s mental health treatment lacks important elements of crisis intervention—particularly,
person-centered engagement and intervention, respect for the individual as a credible source, and
the development of personal safety. When mental health staff fail to establish or implement an
appropriate treatment plan, or provide a safe environment, staff place individuals at risk of injury
or death. DRNY finds that Program Participants D and E experienced neglect due to delayed
care and treatment and the lack of appropriate mental health interventions.
Doctors who lead the New York City jail mental health system have taken a different approach
to assessing patients in isolated confinement.41 These administrators urge frontline staff to
engage in person-centered interventions and to recognize, not dismiss, adaptive behavior as
potential manifestations of patients’ mental distress and deterioration in isolation settings.
One area of dual loyalty merits special consideration: the role of health care
providers in punishment of patients. It is problematic for health professionals to
become part of the security staff’s punishment infrastructure and to clear patients
for solitary confinement or other punishment settings that may pose health risks to
patients, as they are sometimes asked to do. . . . The punitive environment often
presents such a severe stress that patients will respond by feigning illness (most
commonly paralysis or non-epileptic seizure) or causing self-harm to try to
41

See Sara Glowa-Kollisch, Jasmine Graves, Nathaniel Dickey, Ross MacDonald, Zachary
Rosner, Anthony Waters, and Homer Venters, Data-Driven Human Rights: Using Dual Loyalty
Trainings to Promote the Care of Vulnerable Patients in Jail, 17 HEALTH & HUMAN RIGHTS
JOURNAL (2015), available at: http://www.hhrjournal.org/2015/03/data-driven-human-rightsusing-dual-loyalty-trainings-to-promote-the-care-of-vulnerable-patients-in-jail/ (explaining that
“incarcerated patients experience new morbidity and mortality related to their incarceration,
ranging from medication interruption to injury to worsening mental health during solitary
confinement”).
24

remove themselves to a safer, more desirable medical setting. This puts the
medical provider in an ethically difficult situation, where they are charged with
using their diagnostic skill to identify whose illness is “fake.” In these
circumstances, what is essentially adaptive behavior by patients seeking to avoid
the stressor of solitary confinement is often labeled as goal oriented or
malingering behavior by medical staff.42
Further, the NYC jail administrators have noted:
Those inmates who appear to self-harm to escape solitary confinement are often
judged to exhibit “volitional” or “goal-oriented” behavior, as opposed to suffering
from psychosis, mania, or another more recognized mental health symptom. . . .
[E]ven “goal-oriented” acts of self-harm can have severe consequences.43
With respect to Sullivan’s RCTP, DRNY echoes the concerns raised by CQC in a 2013 review of
care and assessment in the RCTPs.44 CQC found that mental health staff failed to explore
individuals’ underlying issues and that there was a lack of continuity of care, which impacted the
adequacy of treatment.45 CQC recommended that DOCCS and OMH’s Joint Case Management
Committee (JCMC) review patients who are deemed to be “malingering” and document the
outcome of those reviews in an individual’s clinical record.46
Recommended Corrective Action
DRNY recommends that DOCCS and OMH review assessment and treatment procedures to
improve the quality of care in CAR and the RCTP. DRNY recommends that DOCCS and OMH
solicit technical assistance from independent experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the
delivery of mental health treatment to RCTP patients, with a focus on patients who repeatedly
transfer to or from the RCTP and CAR or SHU, and those who staff determine are
“malingering.” JCMC and the Joint Central Office Review Committee (“JCORC”) should
review these two populations periodically. In addition, in consultation with experts, DOCCS and
OMH should develop additional training for corrections and mental health staff on crisis
intervention and care for people with ID/DD and co-occurring mental illness. This program
should be provided in addition to the de-escalation training mandated by the Peoples final
settlement agreement.

42

Ross MacDonald, Amanda Parsons, and Homer Venters, The Triple Aims of Correctional
Health: Patient Safety, Population Health, and Human Rights, 24 JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE
FOR THE POOR AND UNDERSERVED 1226, 1229-1230 (2013).
43
Kaba et al., supra note 5, at 446.
44
New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities,
Residential Crisis Treatment Program(s) Follow-up Review, June 14, 2013,
http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FOR003-Final-RCTP-ReviewReport-6-24-13.pdf.
45
Id. at 5-7.
46
Id. at 14.
25

DOCCS AND OMH HAVE SUBJECTED PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO USE OF
FORCE RESULTING IN INJURIES AND AN INCREASED RISK OF HARM
DRNY found that CAR program participants who complained about inadequate treatment were
also subject to multiple incidents of force, including cell extractions and chemical agents.
Because of the adverse consequences of using force against people with disabilities, DOCCS and
OMH should eliminate such incidents.47 Implementation of crisis intervention principles will
eliminate the need for force, reduce injuries to CAR program participants, and make the
environment safer and more therapeutic.
A “cooling off” period can obviate the need for force if potentially threatening behavior
terminates.48 Recognizing the special needs of people with mental illness and ID/DD, experts
recommend corrections policies include at least the following essential elements. First, mental
health staff and others who have received specialized training in crisis intervention must be
involved in defusing incidents. Second, crisis intervention staff must engage determinedly and at
length with the individual, if necessary, with the goal of deescalating a situation and working
cooperatively to find a resolution.49
[C]risis intervention cannot be brief pro forma visits to the inmate’s cell front.
Mental health staff or other negotiators must be given the time and have the
determination to connect with the individual to determine what is prompting his
distress, what he is seeking, and how the situation can be resolved without
violence.50
Third, staff must consider that, due to mental illness or ID/DD, an individual may not be able to
understand an order or may have difficulty conforming his or her behavior to an order.51 Staff
47

See HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, supra note 36, at 62 (noting that trauma from use of force can
trigger psychotic episodes, increase hallucinations, and exacerbate other mental health
symptoms); see id. at 63 (noting the dangers of chemical agents and stun devices because a
disability may impact a person’s ability to understand that complying with orders “is the fastest
way to avoid pain” and “the infliction of pain may strengthen paranoid delusions”).
48
According to human rights standards and corrections experts, use of force must be used as a
last resort (i.e., used only when necessary and other interventions have been exhausted); have a
legitimate objective; be the minimal amount necessary and objectively reasonable to overcome
resistance; and be terminated as soon as possible and deescalated if resistance decreases. Id. at
47. See also Coleman v. Brown, No. 2:90-cv-00520, Defendants’ Plans and Policies Submitted
in Response to April 10, 2014 and May 13, 2014 Orders at 30 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 1, 2014) (“A
decision to use chemical agents for the extraction should be based on more than passive
resistance to placement in restraints or refusal to follow orders. If the inmate has not responded
to staff for an extended period of time, and it appears that the inmate does not present an
imminent physical threat, additional consideration and evaluation should occur before the use of
chemical agents is authorized.”).
49
Experts recommend that “interventions ideally should be without time limits, but should last at
a minimum 40 minutes before force is initiated.” Id. at 50.
50
Id. at 49.
51
Id. at 50.
26

must consider the risk of psychological harm or decompensation that may result from a use of
force.52
DRNY received a shocking number of complaints about excessive force in the CAR housing
unit. DRNY shared many of these complaints in its September 3, 2015 letter to Superintendent
William F. Keyser.53 For some program participants, fears about safety impeded full
participation in the program. For example, staff used force against Program Participant F when
he exited his cell after the control booth staff mistakenly opened his door. Because of force,
Program Participant F received a bloody nose and other injuries. Afterwards, Program
Participant F was so anxious about his personal safety that he refused to leave his SHU cell,
foregoing all CAR programming, until his maximum release date from prison.
Program Participant G had similar complaints about abuse from security staff. Program
Participant G is a 20-year-old man who DOCCS transferred from CAR to Upstate Correctional
Facility, an all-SHU facility. He found that he had been benefitting from CAR classroom
programming and was making progress on his behavioral issues with the CAR program
counselor. He stated, however, that security staff were not reinforcing classroom lessons. After
being “gassed” out of his cell (exposed to chemical agents), he no longer wanted to be in CAR.
Program Participant D complained about harassment by CAR staff and SHU staff. DRNY
investigated his complaint of injury in SHU by reviewing videotapes of the incident. After an
officer collected a meal tray, Program Participant D kept his hands in the “hatch” area where the
trays are passed. The officer ordered Program Participant D to remove his hands, but within one
second of issuing this order, the officer slammed the hatch door on top of Program Participant
D’s hands. The Superintendent subsequently reviewed the use of force and approved it as
“appropriate.”
Some participants’ preference for SHU over the perceived risk of CAR reflects a failure to create
a safe environment to carry out the therapeutic mission of the program. More importantly, the
pattern of complaints about excessive force indicates a systemic failure to use crisis intervention
strategies. Crisis intervention is an absolute necessity for people with ID/DD, especially people
with co-occurring mental illness or serious behavioral disorders. People in special programs
such as CAR have a great need for interventions on a day-to-day or possibly minute-by-minute
basis. Instead, DRNY found that staff used force in a manner contrary to best practices in crisis
intervention.
52

Id. at 51. This latter principle is reflected in OMH policy for inpatient settings, where staff are
required to consider the risk of harm prior to the use of force such as mechanical restraints. See,
e.g., Central New York Psychiatric Center, Policy #3.0 – Seclusion/Restraint (2010) at 7 (“In
assessing the need to use seclusion/restraint, the potential for any negative impact of the
procedure on the patient shall be considered. A. In the case of patients/residents who are known
or reasonably believed to have a history of trauma (physical and/or sexual abuse.”) (emphasis
added). See also Coleman, supra note 47, at 8-9 (describing controlled use of force policy that
(1) requires mental health practitioner to evaluate inmate’s ability to understand and comply with
orders, and whether use of force poses a threat of decompensation, (2) mandates a cool-down
period, (3) mandates de-escalation via verbal persuasion by mental health staff).
53
See Addendum.
27

DOCCS’s current policy provides too much discretion to use force against persons with
disabilities and not enough guidance on how to incorporate crisis intervention practices to defuse
crises and obviate the need for force.54 The policy does not expressly require a crisis
intervention team or a de-escalation period for an individual with a mental disability. It also
does not require consultation with mental health staff regarding the risk of decompensation from
using force. Without a policy that is consistent with best practices, individuals will continue to
be at risk of abuse and neglect, because they will remain housed in an unsafe environment and be
at risk of unnecessary uses of force and injury.

54

For example, it states that chemical agents must be used “only when and to the extent that the
employee reasonably believes such use is necessary.” Department of Corrections and
Community Supervision, Directive #4944 – Use of Physical Force (2012).
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Program Participant D
Program Participant D, a teenager dually diagnosed with ID and serious mental illness,
was subjected to multiple planned uses of force involving chemical agents. In late
December 2014, Program Participant D was in the RCTP when he refused to cooperate
with a nurse. After he spat at officers and allegedly clenched his fist, corrections staff
tackled him, slamming him “face first” onto the floor, causing a severely swollen black
eye. Program Participant D told DRNY that he was experiencing hallucinations at the
time. Afterwards, he became self-abusive and said he felt unsafe from security staff and
wanted to kill himself. He also requested therapeutic care: “I want to go Hospital.
Hospital might help me.” Staff treating Program Participant D nevertheless concluded:
“No abnormalities of behavior are noted. He is agenda driven. He wants to avoid SHU
sanctions as well as CAR program. He will remain in RCTP for further stabilization.”
Program Participant D was eventually discharged from RCTP to SHU and then
transferred to CAR. Then, in late January 2015, force was used again, this time to extract
Program Participant D from his CAR cell. Program Participant D had been yelling out
of his cell and was deeply agitated, “in a rage, yelling, cursing, volatile, potential danger to
self and others,” and had tied a sheet obscuring visibility into his cell. He complained to
the clinical social worker that he had not gotten proper medical care for eye injuries after
the December incident, described above. Staff concluded that he should be brought to
the RCTP for observation. Corrections staff ordered Program Participant D “to calm
down” and exit his cell for an evaluation in RCTP, but he did not.
Security staff initially justified using force because Program Participant D was obstructing
the view into his cell and was refusing a direct order to exit. However, by approximately
10:13 a.m., when the extraction team arrived at Program Participant D’s cell, no sheet
obscured the view into his cell. Rather, Program Participant D peered out his cell door
window, while security staff ordered him to exit, warning him that chemical agents would
be used.
Thus, one of the two justifications for force had dissipated by the time the extraction
team began to expose Program Participant D to a total of eight bursts of chemical spray
over the course of 10 minutes. After the first two bursts, Program Participant D moved
to the farthest corner of his cell to stand by the window, which he opened for air. When
he did this, a lieutenant called to him: “Hey, that ain’t gonna help you, fella, trust me.
Come back to the gate for cuffing up, that’s a direct order, or another application of
chemical agents will be used.” Program Participant D eventually lay face down on his
bed before the extraction team rushed in, pressed shields against him, restrained him, and
escorted him out to RCTP.
DRNY found that Program Participant D experienced abuse when he was subjected to
force in the CAR housing unit. 42 U.S.C. § 10802(1)(D). By no objective measure was it
necessary or proportionate to subject a teenager with an IQ of 66 and serious mental
illness to chemical agents merely to gain compliance with an order to leave his cell.

29

Recommended Corrective Action
DOCCS and OMH should revise use of force policies and training programs in consultation with
independent experts. Training programs should incorporate best practices in crisis intervention
and be mandatory for all staff working with individuals with ID/DD and mental illness. DOCCS
and OMH should document all crisis intervention strategies used to defuse an incident.
DOCCS and OMH should establish a Central Office committee to review incidents where force
was used against individuals with ID/DD and mental illness. The members of the review
committee should be independent of the staff who were involved in the use of force incident.
The review should focus on identifying how force could have been avoided and what steps will
be taken to prevent the recurrence of incidents.
Finally, DOCCS and OMH should develop quality improvement reviews of the management and
treatment provided to individuals with recurrent and/or lengthy RCTP admissions from CAR or
SHU, including individuals who have been involved in uses of force. These reviews should
include data collection and analysis concerning admissions, lengths of stay, and factors
precipitating admissions. DOCCS and OMH should investigate circumstances precipitating
crisis situations, such as complaints about inadequate medical and mental health treatment, the
environment in CAR, and poor relationships with staff. This report has collected examples of
individuals going to extreme measures to avoid CAR, such as choosing to forego all
programming to remain in SHU. At least one member of the mental health staff believed that
Program Participant D was eating feces and living for days in fecal matter simply to avoid CAR.
DOCCS and OMH should immediately investigate the circumstances and conditions in CAR that
lead to such events. Furthermore, DOCCS and OMH must take appropriate steps to remediate
these problems and ensure that the housing and program environment respects the basic human
rights of all participants.

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III.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

DRNY makes the following recommendations to DOCCS and OMH:


Develop appropriate eligibility criteria and assessment procedures to identify
individuals with ID/DD and individuals with adaptive deficits for CAR, in consultation
with experts. Specifically, DOCCS should look to best practices for program eligibility,
including the eligibility practice adopted by the California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation as a result of Clark v. California, 739 F. Supp. 2d 1168 (N.D. Cal.
2012). DRNY recommends the following eligibility scheme, which is based upon the
Clark settlement and CQC’s previous recommendations:
Measurement of Cognitive Functioning
DRNY has been informed that only individuals who score 70 or below on the BETA-III
(BETA), Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Second Edition (KBIT-2) and Welscher Adult
Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) qualify for CAR. DOCCS should conduct IQ
testing during the first two phases of its evaluative process, as outlined below.
Phase I: DRNY recommends that during Phase I of the eligibility determination process,
DOCCS perform a BETA and/or KBIT-2 on each inmate entering the DOCCS system. This
will allow for a rapid estimate of cognitive function. Both the BETA and KBIT are “quick
tests,” and are not dispositive of full intellectual acuity. However, by conducting these tests,
DOCCS can screen out individuals who are not eligible for SNU or CAR based upon
intellectual acuity. DOCCS should refrain from informing inmates of their estimated IQ and
should ensure that accommodations are available for individuals with limited English skills
and/or other disabilities.
Phase II: If an individual scores below 80 on the BETA and/or KBIT-2, a WAIS-IV should
be administered. The WAIS-IV is a more extensive cognitive measure and will generate a
full-scale intelligence quotient. DRNY recommends that individuals with a full-scale
intelligence quotient score of 70 or below, as measured by the WAIS-IV, secure eligibility by
virtue of intelligence quotient alone. Individuals who score between 70 and 75 should be
referred for Phase III of the evaluative process, which will assess adaptive functioning.
Measurement of Adaptive Functioning
DRNY recommends that anyone who scores between 70 and 75 on the WAIS-IV be referred
for full testing of adaptive functioning, to include the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System,
Second Edition (ABAS-II) or the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition
(Vineland-II). These evaluations are the gold standard, and OPWDD accepts both as valid
measures of adaptive functioning. With the proper collaboration with experts in the field and
necessary revisions, however, DOCCS can properly utilize these assessments in a prison
setting.

31

Phase III: The ABAS-II is a complete assessment of adaptive skills, in accordance with the
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (“AAIDD”) guidelines.
The Vineland-II is similar in that it measures the social presentation and social skills of
individuals from birth through adulthood. Individuals who score between 70 and 75 in Phase
II should be referred for an ABAS-II or Vineland. The results of these evaluations will assist
DOCCS in identifying whether the individual has adaptive functioning deficits in a
correctional setting and, in turn, will assist DOCCS in making the prison environment safer
and more manageable for inmates and staff. As recommended by CQC in its 1991 report and
implemented by other states, DOCCS should broaden eligibility to include those with (1)
measured adaptive deficits in two domains and a full-scale intelligence quotient below 75; or
(2) adaptive deficits measured at two standard deviations below the norm, across all domains.
This eligibility criterion would take into account both measured substantial limitations and
the WAIS-IV’s margin of error.
Phase IV: Individuals who score between 70 and 75 in Phase II and are not initially found to
have adaptive deficits in Phase III should be re-evaluated between 120 and 210 days after the
initial Phase III evaluation. The secondary evaluation will account for any changes in
adaptive functioning as a result of incarceration. Any evaluation conducted after the
completion of Phase III should be considered a Phase IV evaluation. DRNY recommends
that DOCCS conduct Phase IV testing as needed and, at most, once a year in accordance with
a documented change in individual behavior as assessed by a trained clinician. DOCCS
should not use Phase IV testing as a means of removing individuals from CAR.
Other Methods of Eligibility: DOCCS should be mindful of the fact that the proposed Phases
I and II assess individuals only for ID, and Phases III and IV require, at minimum, below
average cognitive functioning. Therefore, individuals with developmental disabilities that do
not manifest in intellectual deficits are not captured by these eligibility criteria. An
individual with Cerebral Palsy or Epilepsy, for example, would not be eligible for CAR
under these criteria. These diagnoses are reflected only by an adaptive assessment with a
prior diagnosis of the condition. DOCCS should consider expanding therapeutic housing
options for other individuals with developmental disabilities that do not manifest in
intellectual deficits.
In summary, DRNY recommends that DOCCS revise its eligibility criteria so that individuals
secure CAR eligibility if:
(1) they are found to have a full-scale IQ of 70 or below; or
(2) they are found to have a full-scale IQ between 70 and 75 with concurrent adaptive deficits in
two domains; or
(3) they are found to have adaptive deficits two standard deviations below the norm, across all
domains.
If DOCCS conducts all evaluations upon an individual’s arrival at one of the four reception
centers throughout the state, it will only need to conduct re-evaluations in accordance with
the foregoing Phase IV process. This will save DOCCS time and resources, and will ensure

32

that CAR serves all individuals who cannot function in SHU because of low cognitive
functioning and/or adaptive deficits.


Ensure that the structure and programming of CAR supports the habilitation of
individuals with ID/DD and adaptive deficits by:
o

Developing and clarifying appropriate behavioral standards and milestones for CAR
program participants;

o

Eliminating all remaining SHU or keeplock time for individuals who successfully
complete CAR and are discharged from CAR;

o

Discontinuing the level regression system for all but the most severe circumstances
and using level regression only in connection with a manifestation determination
procedure that is designed to identify and address behavior that is connected to a
disability;

o

Discontinuing the imposition of SHU sanctions on CAR program participants;

o

Using non-punitive interventions to address misbehavior in CAR;

o

Revising disciplinary policies and procedures to incorporate a manifestation
determination process, mitigation of sanctions, development of behavioral intervention
plans where conduct is related to an individual’s disability;

o

Conducting a review of discharges from CAR, examining the circumstances and
justification for the discharges; and

o

Eliminating pre-hearing confinement for CAR program participants.



Improve access to mental health services by providing reasonable accommodations to
individuals who need assistance making requests for services.



Integrate crisis intervention consistently through all aspects of care and treatment by:
o Reviewing staff compliance with the RCTP Observation Cell Policy requirements
related to confidential interviews;
o Ensuring on-going compliance with RCTP Observation Cell Policy;
o Requiring documentation of how staff intervened in person-centered ways, addressed
trauma, worked with the patient to establish feelings of personal safety, respected the
patient as a credible source, and promoted patient recovery and resilience;
o Soliciting technical assistance from independent experts to conduct a comprehensive
review of the delivery of mental health services;
33

o Revising use-of-force policies to expressly require: de-escalation, intervention by staff
trained in crisis intervention, use of “cooling off” periods, and evaluation by mental
health staff of the potential negative psychological impact of use of force;
o Requiring DOCCS and OMH staff to document all crisis intervention strategies used
to defuse an incident;
o Establishing a Central Office committee to review incidents where force was used
against individuals with ID/DD and mental illness, with a focus on identifying how
force could have been avoided and what steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence
of incidents;
o Reviewing management and treatment of CAR program participants with recurrent
and/or lengthy RCTP admissions from CAR and SHU, including by collecting and
analyzing data on admissions following use of force and factors precipitating
admissions, and by identifying steps to address patterns of complaints with regard to
treatment, housing, program, and environmental conditions; and
o Providing additional training for corrections and mental health staff on: recognizing
the signs of mental illness; managing and caring for populations with ID/DD and cooccurring mental illness; and crisis intervention practices.


Consult with an outside expert regarding training for corrections and mental health
staff in CAR.



Collect and publish data on the population and outcomes measures, including but not
limited to:
o CAR monthly census;
o Average length of SHU sanction for a CAR program participant, broken down by rule
violation/disciplinary infraction;
o If the eligibility criteria are revised, census data regarding the number of individuals
who attain CAR eligibility in each of the “phased” evaluative areas;
o Census data regarding the number of CAR program participants who successfully
progress through the CAR level system, broken down by level;
o Census data regarding the number of CAR program participants subject to level
regression, broken down by level;
o Census data regarding the number of CAR program participants who are subject to
additional disciplinary sanctions, broken down by the type of sanction and whether the
sanction resulted in additional SHU or keeplock time;
34

o Census data regarding the number of CAR program participants discharged from the
program prior to program completion;
o Census data regarding CAR program participants’ admissions and discharges, broken
down by facility and type of unit (e.g., Great Meadow SHU);
o Census data regarding the number of CAR program participants who are on the OMH
case load, by OMH level;
o Census data regarding CAR program participants in the RCTP, by OMH level,
diagnosis, race, age, involvement in use of force, length of stay, and factors
precipitating admissions.

35

IV.

CONCLUSION

DOCCS should not confine individuals with ID/DD in SHU for any length of time under any
circumstance. During this investigation, DRNY interviewed over 100 individuals with ID/DD,
many of whom complained that they deteriorated in isolation. DRNY supports the final
settlement in Peoples v. Fischer, but DOCCS and OMH should go beyond the terms of the
agreement. The recommendations in this report serve as a guide for corrective action to
eliminate the risk of abuse and neglect of individuals with ID/DD and co-occurring mental
illness.
DRNY commends DOCCS and Superintendent William F. Keyser for being receptive to
DRNY’s concerns throughout this investigation. DRNY will continue to work cooperatively
with DOCCS and OMH to improve the care and treatment of individuals with ID/DD.

36

ADDENDUM A

ADDENDUM B

ADDENDUM C

ADDENDUM D

New York’s Protection & Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program
DRNY RESPONSE TO DOCCS’S JULY 12, 2016 LETTER
Criteria
While DOCCS has agreed to “explore” adaptive functioning assessment tools, it provided no
information about how adaptive functioning assessments will be conducted without using the
assessment tools DRNY recommended. Therefore, DRNY’s remains concerned that the eligibility
and evaluative process will be under-inclusive and fail to identify individuals who are eligible for
CAR. In addition, DOCCS’s reliance on “remind[ers] to refer any inmates with limited adaptive
functioning” does not address DRNY’s concerns if facility staff have neither special training nor
an assessment tool to identify eligible individuals.
Structure of the Program
B) “Cooling off” transfers to SHU undermine the rehabilitative mission of CAR and should not
occur. DOCCS acknowledges that it may place a CAR participant in SHU for a “cooling off
period” when “the inmate presents an unacceptable risk” to safety and security and that the CAR
program participant will be “returned once he no longer presents an unacceptable risk.” That
practice should be amended to require completion of “Exceptional Circumstances” documentation
which triggers the related Central Office review.
C) DOCCS acknowledges that four individuals from CAR “remain in SHU, two of which are
scheduled to be re-admitted to CAR.” DOCCS stated that CAR participants in SHU are evaluated
every 14 days to determine whether they should be returned to CAR. DRNY remains concerned
that during this period in SHU, which can last 14 or more days, a CAR program participant receives
no programming (DOCCS Letter, subsection F: “Programming is always offered unless the inmate
presents as unacceptable risk”). DRNY reaffirms its position that individuals with ID/DD should
not be in extreme isolation, where there is no meaningful programming, for any length of time
under any circumstance. DOCCS should maintain individuals with disabilities in the least
restrictive setting possible and move individuals to an integrated environment and deliver
programming and pro-social skill development opportunities as promptly as possible.

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Page 2 of 2
F) DRNY reiterates its recommendation that DOCCS develop a manifestation determination
process when a CAR program participant is alleged to have broken a disciplinary rule. A
manifestation determination process is designed to determine whether problematic behavior is a
manifestation of a disability. If a trained clinician determines that the behavior relates to a
disability, DOCCS should be precluded from imposing additional confinement sanctions and,
instead, should develop a behavioral intervention plan to address the problematic behavior.
DOCCS’s current disciplinary system does not include a manifestation determination process,
because disability is only a factor considered for mitigating penalties.
Mental Health Access
DOCCS stated that the Office of Mental Health is not required to conduct daily rounds in CAR,
and that DOCCS and OMH will discuss referral processes and improvements to accessing mental
health services. The large number of transfers to mental health programs underscores the need for
greater access to mental health services for CAR program participants, many of whom have a dual
diagnosis of ID/DD and mental illness.
Crisis Intervention
Based on DOCCS’s response, DRNY anticipates that DOCCS and OMH will conduct a further
analysis of DRNY’s recommendations on crisis intervention, including an independent,
comprehensive review of the delivery of mental health services; periodic review by the Joint Case
Management Committee and Joint Central Office Review Committee of patient populations; and
additional training for staff. DRNY will seek additional information from DOCCS and OMH
regarding the analysis and any changes that have occurred as a result of DRNY’s
recommendations.
Training and Expert Consultation
DOCCS stated that OPWDD participated in CAR staff training, reviewed the program, and
provided assistance regarding best practices. DOCCS also stated that it will seek out other
resources to advance additional training for staff. This is very positive. However, DOCCS has
not produced training materials DRNY requested in September 2014, which makes it impossible
to evaluate the adequacy of the training. Notwithstanding the training and consultation with
OPWDD, DRNY’s investigation revealed deficiencies in DOCCS and OMH staff’s management
and care and treatment of individuals with ID/DD, and DRNY reiterates its recommendations for
additional training and for further consultation with experts on how to best address the needs of
individuals with ID/DD.
Data Collection
DOCCS should publish data on the CAR population and outcomes measures. The publication of
this data will assist the public in understanding and evaluating DOCCS’s programs and its
commitment to eliminating the use of solitary confinement for people with disabilities in New
York State.
July 22, 2016
New York’s Protection & Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program