MENTAL HEALTH COURT ADVOCACY SERVICES 175 Remsen Street, 6th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 975-0180

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Purpose: The Mental Health Court Advocacy Services Program goal is to divert from further adjudication and confinement, one hundred (100) seriously and persistently mentally ill offenders charged with minor, low-level non- violent crimes at the first point of contact with Criminal Court, the Brooklyn Arraignment Court.

Description: The program objectives are to insure that the transition from jail to community is a continuum that includes housing, treatment, medication, and help in the initial application for Medicaid benefits as well as all other available services and benefits. Very intensive case management support is provided within the first 24 hours of diversion and includes up to daily support as needed to insure that the client is stabilized and the appropriate case plan is developed and initiated. The aim is to ensure the correct treatment plan track with sufficient implementation so as to be able to "turn over" the client's case to appropriate long-term community services. Short-term intensive services lead to a discharge plan, which includes provision for the immediate release of the client to supervised structured housing. The client may return home or to previous community housing if that is available and the Court is willing to agree.

Eligibility: Clients with a DSM-IV Axis 1 diagnosis which meets NYS criteria for severe and persistent mental illness and who would have difficulty functioning in the community without assistance and support. All clients must meet the above definition and must enter the Court system in Brooklyn and with consent of the Court will be released back into the community.

Funding: This program is funded by the New York City Department of Mental Health.