NJAMHAA News Winter 2023

8 Winter 2023 Impactful CCBHCs also Help Justice Involved Individuals The effectiveness of integrated care provided by CCBHCs and their partner organizations has been well known for several years – somuch so that Congress passed legislation to further expand this program nationwide. Several CCBHC leaders shared how thismodel is helping individuals who become involved with the justice system. “The overall goal is to improve health care and outcomes through evidence- based practices, including integrated care. The CCBHC framework provides a template for providers to expand their services and make the biggest impact on the communities they’re serving. It also allows us to be flexible and innovate to provide specialized services,” said Michael D’Amico, MSW, LCSW, Vice President of Oaks Integrated Care. Mary-Catherine Bohan, MSW, Vice President, Outpatient Services, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), shared how UBHC adopted the CCBHC model to best serve the justice involved population. “We take a holistic approach to care that includes screening for physical health issues and providing care management and peer support, as well as services provided by housing, employment and other specialists,” she stated. Bohan noted another innovative program at Rutgers University Correctional Health Care, which serves individuals beginning six months prior to their release from incarceration for up to one year post-release. This programhas been cooperating with Rutgers’ CCBHC, various other providers, faith-based and other community organizations and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC). CPC Behavioral Healthcare works with police departments and reentry and JIS programs, and many case management programs refer to CPC’s CCBHC. “We have prevented incarceration by serving these individuals through our CCBHC,” said Vera Sansone, LCSW, President and CEO. The agency also partners with the Community Health Law Project, whose staff works with CPC’s clients to address legal issues. Many gaps and barriers continue to exist. In addition to limited access to clinical services, there is a lack of Innovative Clinical Care and Technology Help Individuals Avoid the Criminal Justice System and Progress toward Recovery (continued frompage 1) housing, transportation and childcare. Providers need integrated licenses to meet these needs and address other social determinants of health, such as education and employment. “Without the integrated license, we will have ongoing barriers and health disparities,” Sansone stated. Capitalizing on opportunities for innovation that D’Amico had mentioned, Oaks Integrated Care is exploring a unique project with municipal courts. “Many minor charges andmisdemeanors are driven by underlying mental health and substance use issues. This project will be preventative by creating a pathway to care at the municipal court level,” D’Amico said. “By addressing mental illness, substance use and social determinants of health, we can prevent serious crimes from being committed,” he added and encouraged other providers to create awareness and build relationships with partners, including law enforcement and judges. Reentry Services Present More Opportunities Some providers collaborate with NJRC to help individuals prepare for returning to the community after serving their sentences. Governor James McGreevey, Chairman of the Board, reinforced the need to address legal, housing and other issues along with health conditions. “Trauma-informed care and partnerships with providers of a range of services are critical,” he stated. Equally important is obtaining birth certificates and getting drivers’ licenses unsuspended, and NJRC meets these needs as well. “We turn chaos into something tangible and solvable,” said Damon Watson, JD, Legal Services Project Manager, referring to the