Screening and assessment process for substance addiction

Every person booked into jail is screened for substance addiction using validated screening tools. For those that screen positive, 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 release decisions and the need for further assessments.

For more information on this intervention, see these resources:

• Screening and Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System, SAMHSA ("Recommended Screening Instruments)
• Stepping Up Innovator Counties

For samples related to this intervention, see these resources:

• Texas Christian University Drug Screen (TCUDS)
• AC-OK Screen for Co-Occurring Disorders
• Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

Local Examples

Champaign County, IL Champaign County Sheriff's Office

• Every person booked into jail is screened for substance addictions using TCUDS.
• People that screen positive are referred to an on-site clinician who determines if they meet criteria for a full assessment, which is conducted by a qualified clinician in the jail or in the community.

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Six Questions Case Studies (Question 2: Do We Conduct Timely Screening and Assessments?)

For a sample related to this example, see this resource:

• Definitions and Screening and Assessment Process - Champaign County, IL

Douglas County, KS Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO)

• Every person booked into jail is screened for substance addictions using the Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye Opener - Adapted to Include Drugs CAGE-AID tool.
• Screening results are stored in the DCSO's jail management system (JMS).
• The JMS sends an automatic alert to a clinician who further screens for alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and drug use using the Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST-10).
• People that screen positive are referred to an addictions counselor for follow-up assessment.

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Douglas County, Kan.: Using Mental Health Screening and Assessment to Serve Individuals with the Most Needs

For a sample related to this example, see this resource:

• CAGE-AID

Pacific County, WA Pacific County Sheriff's Office

• Every person booked into jail is screened for substance addictions and co-occurring mental illnesses using the Global Appraisal of Individual Need-Short Screener (GAIN-SS).
• Screening results are collected in an electronic jail management system that can be queried.
• The screening results inform further assessments and referrals to programs and treatment.

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Pacific County, Wash.: Connection to Services through Jail Screening and Referral

Durham County, NC

• The Durham County Jail’s Mental Health intake Unit screens individuals for substance use disorders at intake using the CAGE-AID questionnaire tool.
• If individuals screen positive for substance use disorders, they are assessed using the Comprehensive Addiction and Psychological Evaluation - 5 (CAAPE-5) and placed in the appropriate treatment in custody or connected with treatment in the community.
• The Durham County Jail’s Mental Health Intake Unit screens individuals for substance addiction using the CAGE-AID at intake.
• If people screen positive for substance addiction, they are assessed using the Comprehensive Addiction and Psychological Evaluation - 5 (CAAPE-5) and placed in the appropriate treatment in custody or connected with treatment out of custody.