Cook County Sheriff's Office Transitional Mental Health Clinic

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office will use the grant funds to implement a transitional mental health clinic for women exiting the county jail. Incarcerated women enter and exit the criminal justice system with untreated mental disorders. Most have extremely high rates of past trauma and current diagnosable mental health and substance abuse disorders. Research indicates that formerly incarcerated women also have a high prevalence of unmet basic needs at six months post release. Strategies to meet the mental health needs of women exiting criminal justice are essential to reduce the high rates of drug abuse, criminal behavior, and subsequent recidivism. The clinic will continue mental health and substance abuse treatment to women as they readjust to life in the community. Trauma centered, evidence based curricula will be used to provide comprehensive treatment for women with complex mental health histories during their initial community re-entry period. This program will also provide active case management services for corollary community re-entry needs as well as peer support services. The clinic will provide an opportunity to build the capacity for effective treatment, community linkages, and continuity of care. This program will address the comprehensive needs of women exiting the jail with co-occurring disorders and will serve to reduce recidivism and save funds that can be used to support other recidivism prevention programs.

NCA/NCF