Archive
Specialized pretrial release
People with mental illness are identified, as appropriate, for pretrial release using a validated pretrial risk assessment. A specialized team of pretrial staff receive additional training in working with people with mental illnesses, and in some jurisdictions, these personnel support defendants’ connection to treatment in the community while released. Read More
Specialized probation caseloads
Probation officers are assigned smaller caseloads dedicated exclusively to people with mental illnesses in order to better monitor their supervisees’ treatment progress. Read More
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
SOAR is an approach designed to facilitate the preparation, submission, and approval of Social Security Insurance/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) applications. The approach includes training for case managers, development of clear procedures, and technical assistance for participating agencies to facilitate the preparation and submission and improve the accuracy of SSI/SSDI… Read More
Suspension and reactivation of health benefits
The jail is aware of state policy regarding the status of people’s Medicaid and SSI/SSDI benefits once they are booked into jail. If allowable, the jail staff suspends benefits upon booking and reactivates prior to release. If termination is required, jail personnel assists with re-applying for benefits so that they… Read More
Tele-health services used in jail
Jail staff, often case managers, are equipped with secure video conferencing technology to provide tele-health services for people in custody, when appropriate. Read More
Tele-health used by law enforcement
Law enforcement officers are equipped with technology that enables them to remotely video-conference with mental health professionals. Officers can then connect people in need with a mental health professional. Read More
Pretrial diversion
At the pre-adjudication stage, people are identified as having a mental illness or co-occurring substance addiction and are referred to a pretrial diversion program. People referred to the program follow an alternative criminal justice case process and are connected with appropriate services and treatment. Read More
Referral form for family members to identify mental health needs of people in jail
Family members of people in custody can inform the jail of the person’s mental health needs. Read More
Screening and assessment process for mental illness
Every person booked into jail is screened for mental illnesses using validated screening tools. For those that screen positive for serious mental illness, a licensed mental health professional administers a validated clinical assessment in a timely manner. Crucial case information is then disseminated to appropriate decision makers to inform pretrial… Read More