By Stephen Koranda, Kansas Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-980170.mp3
TOPEKA, Ks. – The head of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is refuting comments made by a top staffer at the agency. A news report last week quoted a deputy secretary saying he would ask judges to slow the number of people they commit to state mental hospitals. But as Kansas Public Radio's Stephen Koranda reports, the head of SRS says they are not looking at that as an option.
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The state's three mental health hospitals are frequently over capacity. Many of the patients are people committed by judges who believe the they are a danger to themselves or others.
Last week SRS deputy secretary, Pedro Moreno, said the state facilities should not be required to take more people than their budgets can handle. But the head of the agency, Secretary Robert Siedlecki, said that is not SRS policy. In an audio statement provided to KPR, Siedlecki said federal law requires them to provide mental health services.
"The state is facing tough budget decisions, but as mandated by federal law, SRS will continue to treat people with severe and persistent mental illnesses who are a danger to themselves or to others," Siedleck said. "The priority of SRS is to make sure that every individual who needs help receives it."
A spokesperson for SRS also says Moreno was brainstorming ideas at the meeting, not detailing SRS policy.
Critics of Moreno's comments said judges would have few places to send people with mental health problems if they couldn't be sent to state hospitals.
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