Intensive Diversion Program proves successful in Rhode Island
Eight members graduated from the psycho-social educational program at Fellowship Health Resources
Contributed by: Erika Sloan, Public Relations/Web Content Coordinator
Lincoln, RI – November 23, 2011 –The Intensive Diversion Program (IDP) at Fellowship Health Resources, Inc. (FHR) has enabled dropped charges for eight individuals since the program launched in June. Pretrial Services has been working with FHR to provide this program for non-violent offenders in the Sixth District Court.
“IDP participants have previously been screened by Pretrial Services to have non-violent offenses and to show signs of possible mental illness and/or substance abuse,” says FHR Rhode Island Regional Coordinator and Director of Diversion Services Heather Spunzo. “IDP exposes these members to mental health services and enables them to become eligible for dropped charges upon completion of the eight-week program.”
Eight IDP participants have graduated the program and had charges dropped from their records. “We have accepted 10 individuals into the program right now, eight of whom have graduated and none have dropped out or have been asked to leave,” Spunzo says.
While developing skills in managing symptoms, stress, anger, and relapse prevention, participants also meet with Case Manager Danielle Sousa to develop a treatment plan and to receive assistance in finding community resources, such as financial and vocational opportunities.
“We will coordinate support groups and vocational training for the eight graduates,” Spunzo says. “Participants in the program form a cohesive group. They’re friendly, support one another, and create bonds to help each other succeed. It’s very fulfilling to work with a new population who may or may not have had exposure to mental health services in the past.”
According to a September 2011 NPR report, three hundred and fifty thousand is a conservative estimate of the number of offenders with mental illness confined in America's prisons and jails. More Americans receive mental health treatment in prisons and jails than in hospitals or treatment centers. "By diverting people from the criminal justice system and providing treatment, education, and skill-building resources, we help them address the underlying causes of their behavior and build more productive and satisfying lives. The entire community will benefit from this program,” Spunzo says.
IDP is funded by a grant from the Bureau of Justice and is slated to last until September of 2012. “Stephen Douglas, Benjamin Weiner, and I are the group facilitators for the program,” Spunzo says. “There is a rolling admission's process, so we are constantly getting new participants.”
Pretrial Services is looking to expand this program with the Kent County Courthouse as well. For more information about IDP at Fellowship Health Resources, please contact Heather Spunzo at 401-721-5910.