Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #320FY0102

Cottages in the Pines/COURT Project

Requester:

Steven Ronik

Organization:

Henderson Mental Health Center, Inc,

Project Title:

Cottages in the Pines/COURT Project

Date Submitted:

1/11/2002 3:25:13 PM

Sponsors:

Debby Sanderson

Statewide Interest:

This funding will pay the additional operating costs for our Residential and Case Management programs for mentally ill adults referred from Mental Health Court.

Recipient:

Henderson Mental Health Center, Inc.

Contact:

Steven Ronik

4740 N. State Road 7, Suite 201

Contact Phone:

(954) 777-1626

Ft. Lauderdale 33319

Counties:

Broward

Gov't Entity:

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Yes

Project Description:

The focus of the COURT Project is to provide individuals with alternative "recovery" milieu that will provide a structureded short-term living environment with supportive and rehabilitative services.� The following support and services are provided through this Project as an alternative to incarceration:

Residential Services -� A residential program is provided to house 24 individuals.� Emphasis is placed on a residential culture of recovery and the behavioral expectations for cooperation with the Criminal Justice System.

Intensive Case Management Services - An intensive model of case management (integrating peers into the service) is utilized for the Project.� It is the responsibility of the intensive case manager to identify, coordinate and monitor services provided to the person.� These services must be structured to be consistent, responsive, reliable and accessible as well as being those most appropriate to address the assessed needs and wants of the person served.� Such services might include help with daily living skills, benefits acquisition, crisis stabilization or attending support groups (AA,NA) with the person.� Ultimately, it is the case management component that is the key in linking individuals to all needed supports and services.

Rehabilitative Services - The project staff help individuals gain and maintain coping skills in the area of vocational (work) and educational readiness and job coaching, living and social skills, self help, recreational opportunities, HIV prevention education and others as appropriate.

Treatment Services - Realizing that the targeted population historically has difficulty engaging in treatment and is often a major cause of recidivism into the criminal justice system, every attempt, when appropriate, is made to utilize the least restrictive psychiatric interventions available.� Particular attention is made to the prescribing of medications (utilizing atypical psychotropics when appropriate) and if substance abuse issues are involved, the provision for urine surveillance.

Peer Support and Self Help - The Project offers opportunities for the individuals served to access peer networks and natural supports.

Crisis Intervention and Respite Services - The individuals served by the Project have access to Henderson's Crisis Center, Mobile Crisis and Respite Services.

Transportation - Transportation is available through skills training to access public transportation and/or provided to ensure availability for participation in community activities, attend scheduled appointments, and explore vocational/educational/social opportunities and to promote movement towards community reintegration.

Community Housing - Assisting individuals in finding safe and affordable housing in areas that promote the person's recovery is an essential part of the Project's service delivery.� Different residential environments are explored individually by outreach to the community and by interviewing prospective landlords.� Residential choice is given to the individual, upon Court approval, to select the housing option of his/her choosing.� Once a choice is made, staff work with the individual to assist them in attaining or strengthening the resources/supports/skills needed to successfully obtain this choice and then further support the individual in successfully maintaining this form of residence.

With the success of this Project, individuals will:

1.decrease the recidivism rate for re-arrests and time spent in jail

2.decrease public dollars spent for days incarcerated

3.increase positive impact on crime reductions and

4.improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness.

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

1.Increased time spent in the community.

2.Decreased rate of arrests.

3.Substance free lifestyle.

4.Satisfaction with services received.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$100,000

Total cost of the project:

$1,237,624

Request has been made to fund:

Operations

What type of match exists for this project?

Local

Cash Amount:

$250,000

In-Kind Amount:

$20,000

Was this project previously funded by the State?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2001-2002

Amount:

$100,000

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Yes

Amount:

$100,000

Purpose for future year funding:

Recurring Operations

Will this be an annual request?

Yes

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

Yes

Agency:

Children And Families, Department Of

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

Yes

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

Broward County Mental Health Court Statistics

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

Broward County Legislative Delegation

Meeting Date:

1/14/2002