How Jail-Based Innovation Is Shaping Statewide Reform

Leading correctional healthcare company, NaphCare, announced it will present a symposium-style seminar at the upcoming Annual Conference of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), held March 12-14 in Reno, Nevada.

Titled “Breaking the Mold: Alternatives to Traditional Jail-Based Competency Restoration Models,” the panel will offer innovative and legally sound solutions to the United States’ ongoing “competency crisis,” presenting jail-based alternatives to traditional competency restoration in both jail and state hospital settings.

The panel will include leaders from NaphCare’s forensic behavioral health team, as well as a representative from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, who have seen first-hand how these alternatives fueled the legislative evolution of jail-based restoration that has led to change and results in Nevada.

Drawing on their expertise and experiences developing and implementing these programs from the ground up, panelists will examine barriers and solutions to jail-based restoration. Their presentation will also highlight real-world examples from two very different states’ models to demonstrate program implementation and how these programs improved patient outcomes and system efficiency.

The AP-LS advances the integration of psychology and law by supporting research, education, and the effective application of psychological science within the legal system, while informing professionals and the public about developments in the field.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to present at this year’s AP-LS conference and to share the amazing progress and opportunities we’ve discovered through NaphCare’s work in the forensic evaluation and restoration field,” said Dr. Caroline Parrott, clinical forensic psychologist and NaphCare’s Vice President of Forensic Mental Health Programs. “It’s rewarding to create solutions with our jail, county, and state hospital partners, particularly in jurisdictions where options are limited, to move these defendants – and the criminal justice and mental health systems – forward. When we recognize and strategically target the barriers where we can make the most impact, we spark momentum that can grow into a bigger solution.”

NaphCare provides full cycle competency services through its THRIVE program. THRIVE offers jail-based options to address every phase of the competency process in jurisdictions that permit jail-based restoration – from evaluation to restoration through adjudication – while also bringing solutions to facilities who require alternative models due to legal, logistical, and/or funding barriers.

THRIVE is committed to growing its impact nationwide and currently operates in three of NaphCare’s partner facilities – Washoe County Detention Center in Reno, Nevada; San Diego County Central Jail in San Diego, California; and Mendocino County Correctional Facility in Ukiah, California.

NaphCare’s presentation will include the following:

Title: Breaking the Mold: Alternatives to Traditional Jail-Based Competency Restoration Models

Date and Time: 8:00-9:00 AM PST on Friday, March 13, 2026

Location: The Tuscany Lobby at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada

Presenters: Dr. Caroline Parrott, PhD, NaphCare Vice President of Forensic Mental Health Programs; Jenny Dutil, MS.Ed, LCPC, NCC, NaphCare THRIVE Program Director in Washoe County Detention Center, Nevada; Dr. Ronna Dillinger, PhD, Deputy Administrator of Clinical Services, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Moderated by Dr. Amber Simpler, Ph.D. ABPP, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Research at the NaphCare Charitable Foundation.

Description: This symposium is a one-hour seminar addressing the national competency crisis by highlighting innovative, legally sound jail-based alternatives to traditional state hospital models. Panelists present data from programs in Colorado and Nevada, demonstrating how early-intervention and enhancement-based treatment approaches improve clinical outcomes, reduce hospital length of stay, and increase system efficiency. The session also traces Nevada’s rapid policy evolution — from pilot jail-based treatment programs to 2025 legislation authorizing jail-based restoration — illustrating how data-driven results and stakeholder collaboration can drive systemic reform. Attendees will explore practical strategies for overcoming legal, ethical, and operational barriers while reimagining accessible, humane, and cost-effective restoration services.

About NaphCare

NaphCare partners with local, state and federal government agencies nationwide to provide innovative healthcare, technology and administrative solutions for complex problems within the correctional system. The company’s industry-leading approach to correctional healthcare includes designing and implementing evidence-based clinical programs to address the specific challenges of the corrections environment. Above all, NaphCare aims to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. NaphCare is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Additional information can be found on the company’s website: www.naphcare.com or www.techcareehr.com.

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The symposium will offer innovative, legally sound solutions to the ongoing competency crisis.