Clinical Assessment
Every participant referred to a Forensic Services Program receives a comprehensive behavioral health assessment. Treatment referrals are made to licensed, clinically appropriate programs that have been previously approved to collaborate within the Forensic Services network provider list. Trained evaluators interview referred participants using several clinical assessment instruments. Based on information gained through the assessment, evaluators determine the medically necessary level of care (e.g. detoxification, residential or intensive outpatient treatment, etc.).
Case Management
FIR, IPP, Treatment Court and Domestic Violence Diversion Program assign all participants to a case manager. Participants in other initiatives receive case monitoring services in order to track treatment progress, as well as assist participants with additional social service referrals. FIR/IPP case managers meet with participants bi-weekly in the community, the assigned treatment program or recovery residence. They develop recovery plans, monitor treatment compliance and work closely with program counselors and probation officers to make sure participants are receiving needed services and following treatment directives. Case managers also help participants connect to other services, such as GED/ABE classes, vocational training, medical assistance (MA), 12-step support groups and links to health centers for physical health needs.
Funding
Evaluators review each case with a representative from either Community Behavioral Health (CBH) or Behavioral Health Special Initiative (BHSI). These agencies provide behavioral health treatment funding for persons eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) and for select persons who are not eligible for MA. A collaborative decision is made for the participant’s level of care and specific treatment program.
Treatment
All Forensic Services Programs may refer participants to a variety of licensed, credentialed behavioral health programs for substance abuse treatment. The levels of care include detoxification, long- and short-term residential treatment, intensive outpatient, regular outpatient and medical-assisted treatment. Programs are available for participants needing both substance abuse and mental health treatment. Forensic Services works with CBH/BHSI and community programs to ensure the appropriate placement is made.
Recovery Housing
The Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBH/IDS) provides funding for recovery housing through the Office of Addiction Services (OAS). Participants in any of the Forensic Services Programs may access recovery housing directly through the Forensic Services program or through the IPP Liaison by following the referral process. Participants preferring to live at home during outpatient treatment must have a housing check performed by the Forensic Services Housing Unit. The Housing Coordinator will visit the location and meet with other residents of the home to evaluate the clinical appropriateness of the participant residing in that home. If the housing plan is not approved, a referral will be made to the Office of Addiction Services (OAS) Housing Initiative for placement in a recovery residence.
Medical Assistance
Participants who are current detainees at the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) and who will be sentenced into Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR)/Intermediate Punishment Program (IPP) may complete an application for Medical Assistance (MA) with the help of the FIR Medical Assistance Coordinator. The Medical Assistance Coordinator assists participants with the application. The Department of Human Services (DHS) Boulevard District office reviews all applications for eligibility. Approved participants receive benefits usually within two weeks of their discharge from jail.
Vocational Services
All participants will have the opportunity to be assessed for appropriate eligibility for vocational training programs. IPP participants can be specifically referred to The Workforce Institute, a PHMC affiliate that provides workforce development services such as job readiness, job training, industry-specific certification training and job placement programming. All other FIR participants will be referred to other identified community agencies.