Felony Mental Health Reentry Court

The FY 2011 Second Chance Act State, Local, and Tribal Reentry Courts Program provides funding to states, units of local government, federally recognized Indian tribes (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior), and non-profit entities that target adult populations for the development, establishment, and enhancement of state, local, and tribal reentry courts, court programs, and specialized reentry court dockets that combine monitoring activities with comprehensive and coordinated services for formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their homes and communities. The overall goal is to increase accountability among returning ex-offenders and lower overall recidivism by addressing the criminogenic risks and needs of individual offenders through comprehensive assessments, treatment, services, programs, and monitoring, using evidence-based practices to steer programs. To achieve this goal, recipients are expected to engage target populations to increase program retention, enhance community involvement and support, and identify offender needs and respond with appropriate services before release, including the treatment of alcohol and other drug use and mental health issues, and assistance with housing, education, employment, and other needs. Programs will target adult offenders who plead guilty or are convicted on criminal offenses and released from jail or prison after serving a sentence term.

The grant recipient will use the grant funds to implement the Felony Mental Health Court (FMHC). The goal of FMHC is to reduce Harris County's significant costs associated with incarceration and recidivism by screening, assessing, and linking mentally ill offenders and probationers to the most appropriate array of recovery services available. This will ensure continuity of care upon reentry and thereby significantly reduce the risk of recurrence of arrest and recidivism.

CA/NCF