Intensive Case Management Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Douglas County Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) has worked cooperatively with Douglas County Department of Corrections (DCDC) in initiating innovative programming focused on transitional youth who are incarcerated and have behavioral health difficulties. This pre- and post- release Intensive Case Management (ICM) program was initiated on August 1, 2010, as a onetime grant through Region Six Behavioral Health; however, due to success and identified need, ICM has gained program expansion to other area jails and sustained funding since 2012. In Douglas County, among multiple continuums of care an increasing focus has been to provide support services to individuals leaving incarceration. Many endeavors have been initiated to identify individuals who are at risk of recidivism and to provide referrals for services following release from incarceration. However, what has been lacking with these endeavors is the specific intricacies that are needed to enhance engagement and follow-through. Through ICM, voluntary pre- and post- release support is provided to young adults age 18-24 that have or may have behavioral health concerns and are at risk of homelessness upon release from incarceration. ICM staff meets with participants while still incarcerated and assists them in collaborative development of an individualized treatment plan, including a realistic re entry plan and goals that include but are not limited to: mental health/substance abuse treatment, transportation, housing, budgeting, employment, education, assistance in accessing mainstream benefits, addressing criminogenic thoughts and behaviors, and enhancing pro social involvements. Participants are assigned an intensive case manager to assist in identification and utilization of resources and also are provided a peer support professional to assist in wellness and recovery planning. Since 2010, among participants involved with ICM, there has been over 80% reduction in homelessness, threefold increase in access to mental health and substance abuse services and significant increase in prevocational and educational involvements.