History

The Forensic Services component at PHMC coordinates criminal justice substance use treatment to more than 2,500 individuals each year through eight critical programs. We serve youth, adults and families involved in a wide range of criminal justice system initiatives.

The Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR) Program began in November 1993 in response to a federal consent decree that required the City of Philadelphia to reduce the inmate population.

Former Deputy Managing Director Dianne Granlund brought together stakeholders to develop a program that would decrease the inmate population while providing community-based substance abuse treatment for eligible inmates.

Through continuous state, city and Medicaid managed care funding, the original FIR initiative has been able to expand its array of service to 7 distinct initiatives which comprise PHMC’s Forensic Services. We are constantly examining and enhancing the program to meet the needs of both participants and the City of Philadelphia. We are committed to saving the lives of those who suffer from addiction, mental illness and criminal recidivism while simultaneously providing safer communities.

Using the original FIR model as a basis, PHMC continues to expand its services to meet the needs of justice-involved individuals. PHMC has received funding from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to expand its services into Delaware County. A five-year SAMHSA grant has been awarded to PHMC to enhance the Philadelphia Adult Treatment Court for individuals impacted by opioid use disorders.

This site is dedicated to the memories of Dianne Granlund, former Deputy Managing Director for Criminal Justice Population Management - City of Philadelphia, and Linda Mathers, former Special Projects Director - Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department. We fondly remember their dedication, human compassion and wonderful sense of humor in developing and implementing the Forensic Intensive Recovery program.