Date
3-21-2025
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)
Chair
Greg Mathison
Keywords
temporary detention orders, state psychiatric hospitals, public service ecosystem framework, law enforcement, mental health
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Smith, Teresa Gale, "An Assessment of Virginia's Temporary Detention Order Process: Impacts on Public Services Delivery and Stakeholders" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6574.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6574
Abstract
Stakeholders contend Virginia’s public system of mental healthcare lacks adequate access to services, and its temporary detention order process contributes to undue burden on individuals, state and private hospitals, and law enforcement. The purpose of this applied study was to analyze Virginia’s mental healthcare system to identify factors that can be altered and best practices that can be implemented to improve care for citizens admitted under temporary detention orders. The study did this through triangulation of data collection methods including archival dataset analysis, secondary document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Additionally, the study examined the literature and offered suggestions for best practices to assist state-operated psychiatric hospitals and other public service organizations providing that care. Nationally, the social and economic pressures for emergency mental healthcare services are growing. Findings from this study showed Virginia has made progress towards improving its public system of mental healthcare; however, it still has much work to do. Legislative, fiscal, operational, and policy changes will be required to address a complex set of needs. States must have resources and supports in place to protect these vulnerable populations.
