Presentation To Governor’s Task Force On Improving Mental Health Services & Crisis Response By G. Douglas Bevelacqua, Director, Behavioral Health & Developmental Services Division, Virginia Office Of The State Inspector General

In December 2013, Virginia began seeking solutions for improving its public mental health crisis system and the state is considering changes to the civil commitment statutes, and requirements for facilities providing temporary detention holds. The quest to improve the crisis system began after high profile tragedy in November involving a state legislator whose family member experienced a crisis, but was released following a temporary hold because no inpatient bed was available. This document is a statement given by a former member of the state Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Bevelacqua outlined concerns about the state's crisis system that . . .