Shawnee County Community Corrections Community Supervision Mental Health Strategies Program

Shawnee County Community Corrections (SCCC) proposes to implement the "Shawnee County Community Corrections Community Supervision Mental Health Strategies Program" for citizens under supervision within the 3rd Judicial District, Shawnee County, Kansas.

The program's purpose is to create and implement a formal process that will improve the outcomes of probationers by providing in-house mental health support services within the agency and ongoing support within the community.  Program activities include: 1) implementing a standardized mental health assessment administered to probationers to identify potential mental health concerns or issues, 2) developing and implementing group therapy sessions focused on stress management and coping strategies, 3) providing access to counseling and therapy services tailored to the specific mental health demands of the probationers, 4) making available ongoing resources and support networks to assist probationers with maintaining their mental health progress beyond the duration of their supervision, 5) providing emotional regulation and conflict resolution workshops and educational sessions to Intensive Supervision Officers (ISO) and program contract staff from local organizations, 6) providing training to ISOs to recognize signs of mental health distress, and 7) providing appropriate referrals and support services for probationers.

Anticipated program outcomes include reduced recidivism rates, and reduced frequency and severity of probation violations among probationers enrolled in mental health programs. The proposed program will also reduce the number of mental health crises among probationers and increased overall well-being.

SCCC will continue partnerships with local mental health professionals and organizations to ensure comprehensive support for probation clients. The effectiveness of mental health interventions will be monitored and evaluated through regular feedback from probationers and assessment of outcomes.