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JAIL
DIVERSION PROGRAM
The jail diversion program is based on the concept that some mental
health consumers caught in the judicial system will be better served
by intense one-on-one involvement, case management, and follow-up
by a trained mental health professional monitoring, encouraging,
and helping to guide the person to more appropriate services.
Another
major component of the jail diversion program addresses the fact
that without assistance with the basic necessities of shelter, food,
clothing, and transportation, the best case management will not
be effective. Many of the mentally ill who enter the judicial system
are offered services and may be given many options for alternative
treatment, but if they are homeless and fighting for survival, treatment
options play a distant priority.
Initial
Assessment:
When a
referral is made, the social worker makes an initial assessment
as to whether the consumer may qualify for the program. If the consumer
qualifies, the social worker will meet with the consumer for a screening/intake
appointment. Selection criteria will include level of motivation,
severity of mental illness, a record of prior response to treatment,
and a prognosis for long-term recovery and/or stabilization.
Services
Provided
Intensive
case management is provided by the Jail Diversion Program Social
Worker for the following:
•Mental health needs are assessed to assist the program participant
in obtaining appropriate referrals. These may include psychiatric
evaluation, medication assessment, plus individual and group counseling.
•Housing needs are assessed and if necessary, emergency housing
is established through area shelters, or through emergency housing
vouchers until a consumer is in transitional or permanent housing.
There is a limited fund of security deposit money to assist those
in need of permanent stable housing.
•Clothing needs are assessed with linkage to area resources
for clothing vouchers.
•Food needs are assessed with linkage to area programs providing
meals, groceries, and food vouchers if necessary.
•Transportation needs are assessed with linkage to area resources,
and if necessary, tickets or vouchers for bus tickets.
•Health needs are assessed with linkage to area clinics and
services. The social worker will assist consumer in setting appointments
for medical or dental needs.
•Employment/Income needs are assessed. The social worker will
assist consumer in setting appointments for employment, vocational
training, or application for income entitlements (SSI, SSD, food
stamps, etc.)
•Social needs are assessed. The consumer will be encouraged
to engage in support groups and social settings that are supportive.
• Monitoring is provided as the social worker re-evaluates
the consumers' needs on an ongoing basis. The social worker will
monitor each consumer on a weekly basis, with a minimum contact
of at least one face-to-face contact per week for the first six
months and a minimum of twice a month contact after that.
For
more information contact:
Jail
Diversion Program
811 Martin Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6602
Fax: 254-1121
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