History

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.

A 1994-95 FIR program evaluation revealed that inmates who received at least six months of community-based substance abuse treatment were 66 percent less likely to be convicted of a new crime. Since then, the program has been enhanced with centralized case management services, specialty treatment provider agencies, vocational services, a state-of-the-art data management system and, more recently, local faith-based and community partnerships.

Through continuous state, city and Medicaid managed care funding, the original FIR initiative has been able to expand its array of service to 9 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.

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.