BJA FY24 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program in Tennessee

The Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) proposes to implement the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. The purpose of the proposed project will focus on fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, implementing evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, and expanding access to essential services throughout the continuum of care. By prioritizing early intervention, treatment, and support services, the project aims to empower individuals to achieve positive outcomes and successfully reintegrate into society upon release from incarceration.

The project service area is Sullivan and Washington Counties in East Tennessee, specifically working with the local detention centers. OCJP plans to work with Families Free (FF) as a subrecipient and lead mental health agency on the project. FF will then focus their intervention efforts within the detention centers and community. FF will utilize an evidence-based risk and needs assessment to identify individuals with mental health and substance use disorders that will be unable to receive services within the facility due to quick release. These identified individuals will receive re-entry support, community-based interventions, and needed assistance to obtain stability. There are no planned conference activities for the recommended award.