Forensic Intensive Recovery

The Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR) Program was implemented in response to a federal consent decree that required the City of Philadelphia to reduce its inmate population. Initially, eligible inmates received substance abuse treatment and support services outside of the institutions through early parole and re-parole. Today, FIR is a prison deferral initiative that offers eligible participants substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. 

PHMC is responsible for operating the Clinical Evaluation Unit (CEU), which evaluates eligible participants for chemical dependency; refers them to community-based providers for residential, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient treatment services; and provides case management services for FIR program participants. The Office of Addiction Services (OAS) of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) funds this program. All participants must be referred through the Defender Association of Philadelphia.  

Services provided include behavioral health assessments, substance abuse treatment and referrals for vocational and educational support.

Case Management and Probation Supervision are required to receive these services.