Utica, NY – The Neighborhood Center is proud to announce the launch of its new Jail Diversion Program, a significant addition to the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT). This innovative program is designed to support the reintegration of individuals with serious mental illness as they transition back into the community after incarceration.
Recognizing a growing need within our community, The Neighborhood Center has developed this program to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with serious mental illness who are reintegrating after serving time in correctional facilities. The program is designed to work closely with Oneida County’s Criminal Legal System, providing critical support to those at higher risk of recidivism or reincarceration. The Jail Diversion Program will focus on individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders who are either pre- or post-release from incarceration. The program will serve residents of Oneida County and Herkimer County residents involved in the Oneida County criminal legal system.
A dedicated Forensic Reintegration Counselor and Forensic Crisis Case Manager will be the cornerstone of this initiative, providing comprehensive support to individuals during and after their release. These professionals will work collaboratively with local incarceration institutions, care managers, social workers, and probation and parole officers to ensure seamless pre-release planning and successful community re-entry.
The Neighborhood Center will receive referrals from facility staff during pre-release planning to ensure that individuals benefit from routine follow-up for up to 12 months post-release. They will also meet with referred individuals before release to establish rapport, increasing the likelihood of successful post-release connections. Additionally, the team will offer crisis services as needed, including forensic crisis case management, peer advocacy, risk assessments, and more.
“We are committed to breaking the cycle of recidivism and helping individuals with serious mental illness successfully reintegrate into our community,” said Sandra Soroka, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Center. “The Jail Diversion Program is a vital step forward in providing the necessary support and resources to those who need it most, ensuring they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our society.”
This program underscores The Neighborhood Center’s commitment to addressing the complex needs of individuals with serious mental illness, reducing barriers to mental health and substance use treatment, and fostering a safer, more supportive community for all.
The mission of The Neighborhood Center, Inc. is to enrich the lives of individuals and families through cooperative opportunities, resources, and advocacy which embrace diversity, promote empowerment, and foster responsible citizenship. Through its sustained pattern of activities that benefit children, families, and the community since 1905, The Neighborhood Center, Inc. continues to advance in our enduring mission of truly “human” service.
For more information about The Neighborhood Center, call (315) 272-2600, or visit www.neighborhoodctr.org
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