Things it might be helpful to know about this program:

• The Mental Health and Justice Prevention Program provides short-term case management and/or consultation services to individuals who live with mental health challenges to reduce the risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. Service is provided for up to six months.
• Case management offers one-to-one supports in the community by a case manager. The case manager will support you in identifying goals that will help you meet your health care needs.
• The service is time-limited. Case managers work with clients to remove barriers to achieving clients’ goals. Goals are reassessed periodically throughout the service.

To be eligible for service the individual must meet all three of these criteria:

• Individual is 16 years or older and has a serious mental health issue (concurrent/dual diagnosis or cognitive disability included)
• Individual can benefit from a community mental health service
• Likely to be safely supported in the community
• Has had some involvement in the justice system (current charges, past charges, or release from custody in the past year) or if not involved in the justice system may have other risk factors.
• Eligibility for service will not be denied on the basis of language or disability. Supports will be arranged for as needed.

Once in service you can expect the following:

• You will participate in an initial assessment with your case manager to identify strengths, needs and goals to inform the service plan.
• Case managers may provide coaching or assistance to you in the development and/or maintenance of abilities relating to activities of daily living, self-care, crisis management strategies, symptom management, maintaining a support network, and skills teaching such as budgeting, grocery shopping and other life skills.
• You will be connected to a broad range of services/resources, as required.
• Case managers will coordinate your services, in partnership with you.
• Your case manager will assist you in overcoming barriers to full participation in the community.
• The case manager will discuss with you how crises can be managed and help to create a safety/crisis plan.
• Your status and progress will be documented.
• You and your case manager will work together to determine how your significant others are involved in your care.
• You will be made aware of the agency’s complaint process and how to access it.
• You will be made aware of their right to privacy, how your personal health information is being kept secure, and how and under what circumstances the agency will collect, use or disclose your personal health information.
• The case manager will develop a transition plan with you.
• You can be discharged from service for the following reasons:
• Your preference
• You have achieved all your goals
• You have been connected with other similar services
• Frequent no-shows or cancellations
• Once you have been discharged, If you are experiencing a crisis or otherwise need support, you can contact Reconnect to be re-admitted to service within a year of discharge.

If you would like the pdf version of this program description click here.