Lackawanna County...The Center of Excellence workshops, Cross-System Mapping and Taking Action for...
Transcript of Lackawanna County...The Center of Excellence workshops, Cross-System Mapping and Taking Action for...
D R E X E L U N I V E R S I T Y &
U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H
Lackawanna County Report of the Cross-Systems Mapping Workshop
May 2014
Transforming Services for Persons with Mental Illness in Contact with the Criminal Justice System
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Facilitator
Patricia A. Griffin, PhD, Center of Excellence Senior Consultant
Other Support
Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, Research Coordinator
Casey LaDuke, MS, Research Associate
Center of Excellence Staff
David DeMatteo, JD, PhD Sarah Filone, MA
Christy Giallella, MS Patricia Griffin, PhD Kirk Heilbrun, PhD Casey LaDuke, MS
Edward P. Mulvey, PhD Sarah Phillips, BA
Carol Schubert, MPH Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar, BA
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Table of Contents
Transforming Services for Persons with Mental Illness in Contact With the Criminal Justice System
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Background ...................................................................................................................................... 5
About the Workshop ......................................................................................................................... 6
Objectives of the Cross-Systems Mapping Exercise ....................................................................... 6
Keys to Success ............................................................................................................................... 7
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Cross Systems Mapping
Lackawanna County Cross Systems Map ....................................................................................... 8
Lackawanna County Cross Systems Narrative ............................................................................... 9
Intercept I: Law Enforcement / Emergency Services ........................................................ 11
Intercept II: Initial Detention / Initial Court Hearing ........................................................... 17
Intercept III: Jails / Courts ................................................................................................. 19
Intercept IV: Re-Entry........................................................................................................ 23
Intercept V: Community Corrections / Community Support .............................................. 26
Lackawanna County Action Planning
Lackawanna County Priorities ....................................................................................................... 33
Lackawanna County Action Plan ................................................................................................... 34
Conclusions and Summary
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 42
Closing ........................................................................................................................................... 42
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List of Appendices
Appendix A – Participant List ......................................................................................................... 43
Appendix B – Lackawanna Cross Systems Mapping: Follow-Up Resources ................................ 50
Appendix C – Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program Strategic Planning Template ........ 55
Appendix D – Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force Five Year Strategic Plan 2012-2016 ..... 58
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Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Transforming Services for Persons with Mental Illness in Contact with the Criminal Justice System
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the Pennsylvania Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Cross-Systems Mapping workshop held in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, on May 21-22, 2014, at the University of Scranton. Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention (BH/ID/EI) program hosted the workshop as part of an ongoing process of developing collaborative systems of support for individuals who have mental illness and who come in contact with criminal justice. This report (and accompanying electronic file) includes: A brief review of the origins and background for the workshop; A summary of the information gathered at the workshop; A cross-systems intercept map as developed by the group during the workshop; A description of each intercept along with identified gaps and opportunities; An action planning matrix as developed by the group; and Observations, comments, and recommendations to help Lackawanna County achieve its
goals.
Background
The Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) and multiple other stakeholders requested the Center of Excellence Cross-Systems Mapping workshop to promote progress in addressing criminal justice diversion and treatment needs of adults with mental illness in contact with the criminal justice system. As part of the workshop, the Center of Excellence was requested to provide assistance to Lackawanna County with: Creation of a map indicating points of interface among all relevant Lackawanna County
systems; Identification of resources, gaps, and barriers in the existing systems; and Development of priorities to promote progress in addressing the criminal justice diversion
and treatment needs of adults with mental illness in contact with the criminal justice system. Prior to the workshops, the Center of Excellence gathered information about Lackawanna County through a Community Collaboration Questionnaire and gathering of documents relevant to the target population. The participants in the workshops included 38 individuals representing multiple stakeholder systems including mental health, substance abuse treatment, human services, corrections, advocates, family members, consumers, law enforcement, and the courts. A complete list of participants is available in Appendix A (pg. 43) of this document. Patricia A. Griffin, PhD, facilitated the workshop sessions. Casey LaDuke, MS, and Katy Winckworth-Prejsnar also provided support.
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About the Workshop
Upon receiving a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in late 2009, the Pennsylvania Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence was developed as a collaborative effort by Drexel University and the University of Pittsburgh. The mission of the Center of Excellence is to work with Pennsylvania communities to identify points of interception at which action can be taken to prevent individuals with mental illness from entering and penetrating deeper into the justice system. The Center of Excellence workshops, Cross-System Mapping and Taking Action for Change, are unique services tailored to each Pennsylvania community. These workshops provide an opportunity for participants to visualize how mental health, substance abuse, and other human services intersect with the criminal justice system.
This workshop is unlike other types of consultations or staff development training programs. A key element is the collaborative process. Meaningful cross-system collaboration is required to establish effective and efficient services for people with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders involved in the criminal justice system. This makes the composition of the group extremely important. While some workshops involve advertising to the entire provider community, it is essential in the Cross-System Mapping workshops that the organizers gather a group that represents key decision makers and varied levels of staff from the relevant provider systems. Center of Excellence staff work with this group, serving as expert guides to help:
Create a cross-systems map indicating points of interface among all relevant local systems; Identify gaps, opportunities, and barriers in the existing systems; Optimize use of local resources; Identify and prioritize necessary actions for change; and Develop an action plan to facilitate this change. Upon completion of the workshops, the Cross-Systems Map included in the report is provided in both print and electronic formats. It is meant to be a starting point. The electronic files can be revised over time to reflect the accomplishments and changes in the planning process.
Objectives of the Cross-Systems Mapping Exercise
The Cross-Systems Mapping Exercise has three primary objectives: 1. Development of a comprehensive picture of how people with mental illness and co-occurring
substance use disorders move through the Lackawanna County criminal justice system along five distinct intercept points: Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, Initial Detention/Initial Court Hearings, Jails and Courts, Re-entry, and Community Corrections/Community Support.
2. Identification of gaps, resources, and opportunities at each intercept for individuals in the
target population. 3. Development of priorities for activities designed to improve system and service level
responses for individuals in the target population.
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Keys to Success
Existing Cross-Systems Partnerships Lackawanna County’s history of collaboration between the criminal justice and behavioral health systems is reflected in a number of existing local efforts that were identified prior to the mapping. These include (among others):
Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Advisory Board;
Lackawanna County Re-Entry Task Force;
Several problem solving courts in the Court of Common Pleas, including the Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, Mental Health Court, Co-Occurring Court, Re-Entry Court, DUI Court, Veterans Court, and Family Court; and
Scranton Area Crisis Intervention (CIT) Team.
Consumer/Family Involvement in the Workshops Consumers were represented by Carl Mosier, Peer Specialist/Community Services
Specialist with the Advocacy Alliance and CSP Co-Chair and Kerry Bentler, Certified Peer Specialist, CIT Trained, and MH Advocate. Consumers added valuable information to the discussion, especially during the discussion of available community resources and action planning around improving continuity of care in Lackawanna County.
Families were represented by HelenMae Newcomer, Scranton Counseling Center and NAMI Scranton Area Chapter, and Marie Onukiavage, NAMI PA Scranton Area Chapter. Family representatives contributed insight and guidance during the discussion of available community resources and action planning around improving behavioral health, diversion, and re-entry services in Lackawanna County.
Representation from Key Decision Makers in the Workshops The workshops included wide cross-system representation and involved many of the key
decision makers. Opening remarks by the Honorable Vito P. Geroulo from the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas set the stage and established a clear message as to the importance of the workshop. Jeremy Yale, Acting Administrator of the Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program, welcomed participants and introduced the facilitators.
Data Collection In addition to the information gained during the workshop, the information in this report was
developed from conversations with and questionnaires completed by key stakeholders in Lackawanna County in preparation for the workshop.
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Lackawanna County Cross Systems Map
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Lackawanna County Cross Systems Narrative
The Cross-Systems Mapping exercise is based on the Sequential Intercept Model developed by Mark Munetz, M.D. and Patty Griffin, Ph.D.,1 in conjunction with the National GAINS Center. In this workshop, participants were guided to identify gaps in services, resources, and opportunities at each of the five distinct intercept points.
This narrative reflects information gathered during the Cross-Systems Mapping Workshop. It provides a description of local activities at each intercept point, as well as gaps and opportunities identified at each point. This narrative may be used as a reference in reviewing the Lackawanna County Cross-Systems Map. The cross-systems local task force may choose to revise or expand information gathered in the activity.
The gaps and opportunities identified in this report are the result of “brain storming” during the workshop and include a broad range of input from workshop participants. These points reflect a variety of stakeholder opinions and are, therefore, subjective rather than a majority consensus.
General Description of Services and Cross-System Collaboration
Lackawanna County was established in 1878 and is the most recently established county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lackawanna County—named after the river that flows through it—covers 456 square miles and is home to more than 200,000 residents living in urban, suburban, and rural areas. As of the 2012 census, the majority of Lackawanna County residents were Caucasian (92%), mainly from Italian, Irish, Polish, and German descent. Approximately 2.5% were Black or African-American, and approximately 5% were Hispanic or Latino (or any race). Approximately 20% of Lackawanna County residents are under the age 18 years, and another 20% are over the age of 65 years. Scranton is the largest city in Lackawanna County, and also serves as its county seat.
The County has been building a continuum of criminal justice and behavioral health services that provides a basic foundation for continued growth and reorganization on all levels. There are a number of established links, both formal and informal, between the courts, probation, police departments, corrections and the mental health system that include, but are not limited, to:
Scranton Area Crisis Intervention Team;
Mobile and walk-in crisis services;
Lackawanna County Re-Entry Task Force;
Several problem solving courts in the Court of Common Pleas, including the Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, Mental Health Court, Co-Occurring Court, Re-Entry Court, DUI Court, Veterans Court, and Family Court;
Behavioral health programming and in-reach programming at the Lackawanna County Prison;
Specialized behavioral health probation caseloads; and
Various clinical services by local providers for justice-involved individuals.
The Lackawanna Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) is a group of top-level county officials that address criminal justice issues from a systemic and policy level perspective. The Lackawanna County CJAB studies best practices in the administration and delivery of criminal justice, recommends ways in which public agencies can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice system within a county, and provides an ongoing forum for
1 Munetz, M. & Griffin, P. (2006). A systemic approach to the de-criminalization of people with serious
mental illness: The Sequential Intercept Model. Psychiatric Services, 57, 544-549.
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communication and joint problem solving among county officials on a wide range of criminal justice issues. The Lackawanna County CJAB is the designated point of contact with the Commonwealth and the federal government for criminal justice matters. The Lackawanna County CJAB is chaired by the Honorable Vito P. Geroulo from the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas.
Lackawanna County provides an extensive and detailed network of care website for individuals, families and agencies concerned with behavioral health. It provides information about behavioral health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other feature is available at: http://lackawanna.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/index.aspx.
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Intercept I: Law Enforcement / Emergency Services
Lackawanna County 911
The Lackawanna County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) is the designated provider for dispatching emergency medical services in Lackawanna County. Lackawanna County ECC is located in the Lackawanna County Center For Public Safety at 30 Valley View Drive in Jessup.
Lackawanna County ECC is involved in crisis intervention and diversion programming. The Director of Outreach of Lackawanna County ECC is on the Board of Directors for the Scranton Area Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Lackawanna County ECC dispatchers have been trained in mental health topics by Scranton Counseling Center (SCC).
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Lackawanna County is provided by over 40 police jurisdictions, ranging from the largest jurisdiction, Scranton Police Department, to several rural districts staffed by a single part-time law enforcement officer. Training for law enforcement officers is provided by the Police Academy at Lackawanna College. Police officers have also been trained as part of the Scranton Area CIT program.
Additional law enforcement coverage is provided in Lackawanna County by the Pennsylvania State Police (Troop R). Troop R also covers Susquehanna, Wayne, and Pike counties and is located at 85 Keystone Industrial Park in Dunmore, PA. State police officers have also been trained as part of the Scranton Area Scranton Area CIT program.
Scranton Area Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
The Scranton Area Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program began in 2009 and represents a collaborative initiative across criminal justice and mental health systems. The formation of the CIT was recommended by a task force appointed by Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty after a 2009 incident in which a consumer was killed. Scranton Area CIT involves a specialized 40-hour training for law enforcement officers on behavioral health to enhance officers’ ability to assess, de-escalate, and resolve situations involving individuals experiencing psychiatric crises. Officers who complete the Scranton Area CIT are trained in alternatives to incarceration for individuals experiencing behavioral health issues, including diversion from standard prosecution where appropriate. Specifically, protocol is for Scranton Area CIT officers to bring such individuals to an area emergency room (see below) for crisis evaluation by hospital staff.
Community stakeholders for Scranton Area CIT include Lackawanna County 911, the Chief of Police of the Scranton Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office of Lackawanna County, the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Counties MH/MR Program, Keystone Community Resources,
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Keystone College, community representatives, SCC, Shiloh Baptist Church, Certified Peer Specialist/Mental Health Advocates, the Advocacy Alliance, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI PA), Lackawanna County Human Services, and Geisinger–Community Medical Center. Scranton Area CIT includes coordination from the criminal justice, behavioral health, and family advocacy agencies, including supporting a Law Enforcement CIT Coordinator, MH CIT Coordinator, and NAMI (Advocacy Community) CIT coordinator.
As of May 2014, there have been six trainings and 91 individuals have complete training through the Scranton Area CIT program. Approximately two-thirds of those trained are law enforcement officers, and the remainder of trained individuals includes (among others) Sheriff’s, State Police officers, probation and parole officers, hospital security officers, university security officers, mental health providers, ambulance crews, 911 dispatchers from Lackawanna County. For the first Quarter of 2014, Lackawanna County Dispatch reports 138 Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDP) coded calls and 3 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) coded calls.
Hospitals
Several hospitals in Lackawanna County provide emergency services for individuals experiencing acute medical and psychiatric crises. Geisinger–Community Medical Center provides a complete continuum of educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services and programs for Lackawanna County, including crisis services coordinated in the hospital and the community counseling agency. Geisinger–Community Medical Center is located at 1800 Mulberry Street in Scranton, PA. Moses Taylor Hospital is a 217-bed, acute care hospital located at 700 Quincy Avenue in Scranton, PA. Regional Hospital of Scranton is a 198-bed acute care hospital located at 746 Jefferson Avenue in Scranton. Additional emergency services are provided through Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale, PA, and Mid-Valley Hospital in Peckville, however both of these facilities are soon to close their emergency and acute medical services.
Detoxification services
Lackawanna County does not currently provide acute detoxification services. The Habit OPCO Dunmore Treatment Center (operated by CRC Health Group) provides medically supervised methadone maintenance treatment to individuals who are attempting to overcome an addiction to or dependence upon heroin or other opioids. To be eligible for this type of treatment at the Habit OPCO Dunmore Treatment Center, prospective patients much be at least 18 years old and must have been addicted to or dependent upon opiates for a minimum of 1 year prior to seeking treatment. The Habit OPCO Dunmore Treatment Center is located at 118 Monahan Avenue in Dunmore. Even though the Wilkes-Barre General closed their medical detox facility, representatives from the facility report that they will still take emergency medical detox individuals on a case-to-case basis. Moreover, by November 2014 Wilkes-Barre General is planning to significantly expand their D&A and detox capacity.
Community Intervention Center
The Community Intervention Center (CIC) provides combined drug and alcohol, mental health, and homelessness services in Lackawanna County (see Intercept V, pg. 29, for more information). CIC professional staff are trained to assess and respond to individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis, many of whom are transported to CIC by law enforcement
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officers. CIC has developed several protocols to respond to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, including a continuum of services ranging from basic service provision (e.g., meals and showers) to de-escalation to involuntary civil commitment (“302”) depending on the need of the current situation. CIC is open 8:00am through 7:00pm, 7 days per week, and is located at 445 North 6th Avenue in Scranton, PA.
For more information, see http://communityinterventioncenter.org/.
Scranton Counseling Center
Scranton Counseling Center (SCC) provides a variety of drug and alcohol, mental health, and developmental and intellectual disability services in Lackawanna County (see Intercept V, pg. 28, for more information). SCC provides Emergency/Crisis Intervention services for individuals experience psychiatric crisis by mental health professionals trained in crisis intervention. Emergency services are available on-site from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, at 326 Adams Avenue in Scranton. SCC staff are also located at Geisinger–Community Medical Center after hours and on weekends and holidays for emergency response.
For more information, see http://www.scrantonscc.org/.
NHS of Northeastern PA
NHS Human Services provides a variety of drug and alcohol, mental health, and developmental and intellectual disability services in Lackawanna County (see Intercept V, pg. 28, for more information). These include Mobile Crisis Intervention Services, in which trained professional staff provide phone and face-to-face intervention to evaluate supports and services needed to help the individual access care. Care is coordinated with other providers, family members, and any others designated by the individual. Crisis resources are also available at the walk-in center located in Carbondale.
For more information, see http://www.nhsonline.org/.
Crisis hotlines
Lackawanna County services provide a variety of hotlines and warm lines for individuals experiencing or at risk for experiencing psychiatric crises:
Scranton Counseling Center (570-348-6100)
NHS Human Services (570-282-1732)
Advocacy Alliance Mental Health WARM LINE (866-654-8114; 6:00pm – 10:00pm, 7 days per week)
F.I.R.S.T. telephone directory (570-961-1234; 24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
Victims Services
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Victim Resources website provides the following victim services resources for Lackawanna County. Further information can be found at: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/find_help_in_your_county/14752
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Victim Service
Program
Type of Program Street Address City
Lackawanna County Victim/Witness Unit
We help victims of all crimes Lackawanna County Courthouse (200 North Washington Avenue)
Scranton
MADD–Northeastern Affiliate Office
We help victims of impaired driving crashes
1216 Carbon Street Reading
Women's Resource Center, Inc
We help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence
P.O. Box 975 Scranton
In addition, Lackawanna County residents have access to the following resources:
PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence 6400 Flank Drive, Ste. 1300 Harrisburg, PA 17112
daytime: 800-932-4632 website: www.pcadv.org
PA Coalition Against Rape 125 North Enola Drive Enola, PA 17025
daytime: 717-728-9740 24 hour hot line: 888-772-PCAR website: www.pcar.org
PCCD Victims Compensation Program 3101 N. Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17108
daytime: 717-783-5153 800-233-2339 website: www.pccd.state.pa.us
MADD, PA State Office 2323 Patton Road Harrisburg, PA 17112
daytime: 717-657-3911 24 hour hotline: 866-439-6233 (Pittsburgh) 800-848-6233 (Harrisburg) website: www.maddpa.org
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The gaps and opportunities identified in this report are the result of “brain storming” during the workshop and include a broad range of input from workshop participants. These points reflect a variety of stakeholder opinions and are, therefore, subjective rather than a majority consensus.
Identified Gaps
CIT training is currently on hold
Make sure to include law enforcement (LE) and 911 in the future conversations for
cross collaboration
Some LE jurisdictions have difficulty finding free time for LE officers to attend the
40 hour CIT training and back paying for the training
Several small local jurisdictions staffed by part time officers – can be challenging to
provide training
CIT Board of Directors wear several different hats and they are all stretched for
time and resources
Hard to get CIT data from the smaller jurisdictions
Sometimes challenging to get veterans to come and speak as CIT trainers
Last few CIT Board of Directors meetings have had very low attendance
More involvement of the local police chiefs in CIT
Mobile crisis is being underutilized
Lack of detox services in the area – limited funding
Wilkes-Barre ER that focused on detox services just closed this month (May 2014)
– only medical-based detox in the area (90% of the cases were not eligible for
reimbursement)
High rise in heroin in the area
Multiple crisis services in the county and even more crisis linkages for individuals
with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and autism - creates multiple crisis silos that can
be difficult for law enforcement to navigate
Some liability issues with expanding peer support specialist’s role in CIT
calls/incidents
Identified Opportunities
911 staff receives behavioral health training
6 CIT trainings to date with over 100 individuals trained in CIT from a range of
organizations (LE, ambulance, hospital staff, etc.)
911 outreach coordinator is a member of the CIT Board of Directors
CIT trainings have had success in the involvement of peer specialists
CIT has support from the media
Wilkes-Barre General will still take emergency medical detox individuals on a case to case basis
Wilkes-Barre General will significantly expand their D&A / detox capacity by November 2014
Wilkes-Barre General looking into a crisis response center (CRC) that can address both D&A and MH
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CIT targeted part time officers that worked for multiple jurisdictions
Started having conversations about incorporating CIT components into the initial
training with the local college/Police Academy/Act 120 that provides police training
Conducted a train the trainer with Luzerne County who began to incorporate the
training in their county
Really positive feedback from the LE officers that participated in the CIT training
Included state police in CIT training and received positive feedback from them
Getting the officers who have been CIT trained more involved in the future
Look at future funding opportunities for a dedicated CIT coordinator – offset data to
show cost savings?
Scranton PD has the ability to send a CIT officer when they receive a CIT
call/incident
Expanding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training locally – Marie Onukiavage and
Ray Hayes are instructors – Several agencies expressed an interest in the training
The national MHFA website shows there are two additional trainers in the area
from Advocacy Alliance (Cindy Mrakovich [email protected] and
Michele Dempsey)
Able to expand linkages to peer support services during a CIT call especially if they
are not taken to the hospital
New resources dedicated towards expanding crisis services
County has been creative in using reinvestment dollars for on-call systems / crisis
lines
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Intercept II: Initial Detention / Initial Court Hearing
Arrest and Initial Detention
Once arrested, individuals in Lackawanna County are transported to the Central Processing Center (“Central Booking”). The Central Processing Center is located in the Lackawanna County Courthouse at 200 N. Washington Avenue in Scranton and is operated 24/7 by staff from the District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.
During normal operating hours (prior to 8:00pm) individuals are arraigned in the Central Processing Center (see below) and released on bail, released on their own recognizance (ROR), or transported to detention at the Lackawanna County Prison. After normal operating hours, individuals are transported to the Central Processing Center for processing and then to the Lackawanna County Prison for initial detention. These individuals are then arraigned the following morning in the Lackawanna County Prison facility in-person or via videoconferencing (see below).
Approximately 10,000 -15,000 individuals are processed for criminal charges each year in Lackawanna County, including approximately 5000 individuals processed through the Lackawanna County Jail. During this processing phase, individuals undergo a brief screening that includes items related to mental health and drug and alcohol use.
Preliminary Arraignment
Preliminary arraignment is completed in Lackawanna County by ten Magisterial District Judges (MDJs) and one centralized district court. Defendants charged with summary offenses (traffic and non-traffic), misdemeanor offenses, and felony offenses are arraigned by the MDJ in the relevant District Court, bail is set, defendants are advised of their rights, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled in a timely manner. At the preliminary hearing, these court cases are either waived to the Court of Common Pleas by the defendant; or, after the hearing, they will be dismissed or bound over to court if a prima facia case is found. Additionally, district judges issue arrest warrants, conduct preliminary arraignments, set and accept bail, and issue search warrants.
The Central Court, located on the ground floor of the Lackawanna County Courthouse (200 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton) was established to efficiently dispose of preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases filed in any of the ten magisterial districts in the county. The administrative office establishes an annual schedule that places one MDJ on duty every day from 9:00am one day until 9:00am the next. This “on-call” duty rotates between the 10 judges with the on-call judge hearing emergency relief petitions under the Protection From Abuse Act (PFA) and presiding over preliminary arraignments of all criminal matters for the entire county for that 24-hour period. In addition to 24-hour duty at the home court, the Central Court operates each Monday through Friday at the courthouse with the on-call district judge presiding over
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misdemeanor and felony preliminary hearings and DUI court cases. Central Court provides the advantages of convenience to public defenders and district attorneys, a system of expedited case processing, increases security and reduces costs of transportation for prisoners, and provides more standardization of case management and handling of requests for continuances.
There are currently no pretrial services provided in Lackawanna County. The Intercept 2 Program is specifically for first time offenders and is provided as a step-down from the traditional Mental Health Court. According to Mental Health Court administrators, referrals for the Intercept 2 Program primarily come from the Mental Health Court itself (rather than preliminary arraignment). Participants receive services from specialized mental health probation officers, and their records are expunged following completion of the program.
For more information, including the jurisdictions and contact information for the MDJs, see http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/magisterial-district-judges.
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program is designed for first-time offenders and those who have a significant period of productive community involvement. A waiver of the preliminary hearing must be made at the first appearance at the Central Court. All defendants are given a 3-month review date at the time of admission into the ARD program. All participants are required to complete a period of community service assigned or approved through the Lackawanna County Community Justice Outreach Program.
Identified Gaps
Individuals with citations and high bond amounts go directly to jail
No pretrial services in county
Individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) do not usually have the ability to
make bail and are forced to go to jail – fines and fees accrue over time
Limited systemic approaches to diverting defendants with behavioral health
problems
- Intercept 2 Program not currently receiving referrals from MDJs
Lack of housing after they are released on bail or ROR
Decision making during Preliminary Arraignment is typically based on information
from the police officers rather than formal procedures
Identified Opportunities
“Mental Health Court Intercept 2” Program – referrals coming from the problem solving courts - opportunity to expand referrals from MDJs
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Intercept III: Jails / Courts
Lackawanna County Prison
The Lackawanna County Prison (LCP) was originally built in the mid-1880’s for a population of 110 prisoners. A major renovation and expansion was completed in 1999 allowing for a maximum population of approximately 1,200 prisoners. Lackawanna County Prison houses male and female pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates up to 1 day and less than 5 years. The Lackawanna County Prison is located at 1371 North Washington Avenue in Scranton.
As of May 2014, the LCP census was 950 inmates, including 750 county inmates and 250 state and federal inmates. The majority of the county inmates are awaiting trial (approx. 300), are county sentenced inmates (approx. 130) or are incarcerated related to fines and court costs (approx. 100).
LCP processes approximately 5000 admissions per year. Of these individuals, approximately 10% are “frequent flyers” and less than 100 are direct probation/parole violators. According to a recent self-study, 40% of yearly admissions self-report mental health issues, with 93-96% of those individuals self-reporting receiving services in the community. Further, 80-90% of yearly admissions self-report drug and alcohol issues, with 70-80% of those individuals self-reporting receiving services in the community. The average length of stay at LCP is 20-30 days. According to the same self-study, the recidivism rate of individuals leaving LCP is approximately 54% over a 3-year period.
Individuals entering LCP undergo an initial screen that includes items related to mental health and substance use issues. An LCP nurse administers a similar screen upon medical processing, and follows up within 72 hours regarding these items. If an individual is on psychiatric medications or reports needs related to mental health, their name is put on a list reviewed daily by SCC for continuity of care. A more thorough evaluation—including a risk-needs evaluation utilizing the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R)—is completed within 2 weeks of admission.
Various behavioral health services are provided within LCP and through community in-reach programming. In-house programming is afforded to the inmate population based upon their classification and includes (among others) drug and alcohol counseling, Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, Anger Management, Parenting Classes, and Computer training. According to LCP administrators, LCP conducts approximately 370 detoxifications per month. Services provided by SCC include a full-time staff member at LCP to conduct preliminary MH assessments; a psychiatrist (2 nights per week, 6-8 hours total) who works with the SCC Director of Forensic Services (stationed in LCP) to enhance continuity of care; mental health case management; legal assistance; and post-release re-entry planning.
According to SCC administrators, their staff sees approximately 30 new cases per year with mental health issues. They estimate that approximately 10 out of the 950 inmates currently
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incarcerated at LCP have a serious and persistent mental illness. Additional formal and informal in-reach services are provided by the Department of Human Services Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs (drug and alcohol programming), the Employment Opportunity & Treatment Center (vocational training and drug and alcohol programming), and the Advocacy Alliance (peer in-reach).
Court of Common Pleas
The 45th Judicial District Court of Common Pleas has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters in Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna County Courthouse is located at 200 N. Washington Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Honorable Thomas J. Munley serves as President Judge and handles all administrative duties for the court, assigns the judges to various divisions of the court and exercises general supervision and administrative authority over the 10 district courts. The Court of Common Pleas is also composed of one Senior Judge and eight additional judges.
For more information, including the contact information for the Court of Common Pleas judges, see http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/departmentsagencies/courts-and-judiciary/court-of-common-pleas.
The judges hear a wide spectrum of cases, including several specialized dockets coordinate through several specialty courts. The Adult Drug Court formally started in 2004 and is “designed to rehabilitate non-violent offenders through a judicially supervised program focusing on treatment, accountability, and responsibility.” The program consists of offenders meeting with the Court Treatment Team for a minimum of 12-18 months. The Court Treatment Team includes the judge, along with representatives from Office of the District Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, Adult Probation Department, and treatment providers. The Adult Drug Court supports a coordinator to conduct structured interviews of incoming participants. Three probation officers are assigned to the Adult Drug Court. To enter the Adult Drug Court, individuals must apply through their attorney with the District Attorney’s Office. Admittance is generally based on the nature of the individual’s charges. Once accepted into the Adult Drug Court, individuals are scheduled for an initial interview and assessment, which is then used by the judge and treatment team to render a final participation decision. Offenders participating in this program are required to have frequent contact with the Treatment Team and frequent drug screening. The offender pleads guilty but sentencing is deferred pending successful completion of the program. Upon graduation the charges are dismissed. As of May 2014, the Adult Drug Court supported a docket of 130 participants. The Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse.
The Mental Health Court started in December 2006 and includes a treatment team composed of representatives from the Office of the District Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, the Probation Department, and appropriate treatment providers. The Treatment Team works together to ensure the needs of the offender are met, which increases the likelihood of successful intervention. Referrals for the Mental Health Court come from a variety of sources—including the Public Defender’s Office, private attorneys, and SCC —and are presented to the District Attorney’s Office, who then gives a recommendation to the Mental Health Court. Offenders are then placed into the Mental Health Court after pleading or being adjudicated guilty. Bail cases are also eligible for participation. The time frame for participation is open ended, and participants’ records are not expunged following graduation from the Mental Health Court. The Mental Health Court supports a coordinator to conduct structured interviews of incoming participants. Two probation officers experienced in working with mental health clients are assigned to the Mental Health Court, and also provide supervision to offenders with mental
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health issues that are not in the Mental Health Court Program. As of May 2014, the Mental Health Court supported a docket of 30-35 participants. The Presiding Judge is Judge Vito Geroulo.
Alternately, offenders can be diverted to the Mental Health Court by the MDJs at preliminary arraignment, referred to as an “Intercept 2 case” (see Intercept II, pg. 18). The Reentry Court started in December 2007 and targets high-risk offenders with drug and alcohol issues re-entering Lackawanna County from state prisons who are eligible for parole (or re-parole). The offender participates in a Transition Support Group that is operated by the Employment Opportunity & Training Center (EOTC). The EOTC also works with the offender on employment issues. If the offender is not employed, he may be required to participate in the Day Reporting Program (see Intercept V, pg. 26) and perform community service. The program generally lasts 4 months. One probation officer is assigned to the program and coordinates treatment referrals. The probation officer and the offender meet with the sentencing judge to review progress once a month. The Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse.
The Co-Occurring Court started in 2009 as a subcategory of the Adult Drug Court that provides services specifically for offenders with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Many Co-Occurring Court participants begin in the Adult Drug Court and are transitioned to the Co-Occurring Court once their substance use issues stabilize and mental health issues become more apparent. Participants in the Co-Occurring Court receive case management through three dedicated case managers, and receive services through NHS of Northeastern PA or the SCC (see Intercept V, pg. 28). As of May 2014, the Co-Occurring Court supported a docket of 25-30 participants. The Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse.
The Veterans Court started in 2009 to address the special needs of veterans who are placed under criminal justice supervision. At the outset of the Veterans Court, the majority of participants has primarily substance abuse issues, with a more recent trend of mixed substance abuse and mental health issues (particularly PTSD). As of May 2014, the Veterans Court supported a docket of 30 participants (the majority of whom are VA eligible). The Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse.
The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court started in 2005 and provides intensive supervision of repeat DUI offenders (three or more) with comprehensive substance abuse treatment at its core. Referrals are received from the Office of the District Attorney, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services (DATS), and the Adult Probation Department. Participation lasts approximately 24 months. All offenders with a mandatory 5-year sentence are placed in the program. Two probation officers are assigned to DUI Court. As of May 2014, the DUI Court supported a docket of 86 participants. The Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse.
The County Intermediate Punishment (CIP) Program targets the Level 3 and Level 4 Sentencing Guideline offenders that have drug and alcohol issues. CIP program participants are placed in the Adult Drug Court. Offenders receive intensive supervision, random urinalysis and, in certain cases, placement on Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM). Two probation officers are assigned to the CIP program.
The Court of Common Pleas also supports specialized dockets through the Family Court (Presiding Judge is Judge Michael Barrasse) and Juvenile Drug Court (Presiding Judge is Judge Trish Corbett). A Domestic Violence Court is also in the preliminary planning phase.
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Identified Gaps
370 detoxifications a month in the local jail
Challenge for jail to identify a mental illness versus substance abuse user
Long waiting list for forensic hospitals (9 months for Norristown State Hospital
Forensic Unit vs. shorter time for forensic unit at Torrance State Hospital)
Approximately 54% return to the jail within a 3 year period
Many veterans do not self-identify as a veteran at initial reception into the jail
Jails see inmates with multiple generational incarceration
Challenge in getting beds for individuals (inmates) in need of involuntary
hospitalization at local hospitals
Identified Opportunities
Forensic evaluations and court hearings for forensic commitments are completed in a timely manner
Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO) Coordinator (Wilkes-Barre) is involved in Veteran’s Treatment Court
Jail interested in having a staff member from the jail trained as an instructor in
MHFA
Jail asks about status of children at intake
Low SMI numbers – county reports that it is due to different initiatives between
behavioral health and criminal justice systems
Good cooperation with the state correctional system
Numerous problem solving courts
Judges have been a major proponent for problem solving courts – trust in the
services/agencies – showcases the collaboration within the county
Problem solving courts really leveraged the community/county to help sustain the
various courts
12 dedicated probation officers for problem solving courts (8 are for the adults)
Lackawanna County Department of Human Services has started to work with the
problem solving courts to centralize the data and coordinate all these data systems
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Intercept IV: Re-Entry
Lackawanna County Prison Re-entry
LCP releases inmates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Public transportation is generally available through the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) bus network; friends and family also provide the primary means of transportation for inmates leaving LCP.
LCP recently developed a new position, Re-Entry Manager, to better coordinate re-entry services. The Re-Entry Manager functions as the liaison between LCP and community agencies, and is responsible for tracking inmates in LCP, developing re-entry plans, and ensuring continuity of care for inmates with behavioral health issues upon release. LCP utilizes the COMPASS electronic system to re-establish public benefits for inmates re-entering society. The protocol at LCP is to provide inmates with 3 days of their medications for aftercare, however LCP administrators report they are able to provide more if needed.
SCC and NHS of Northeastern PA work with LCP staff to ensure continuity of care for individuals receiving behavioral health services. As of May 2014, SCC staff see re-entering individuals with behavioral health needs within 7-10 days of their release from LCP, and ensure the individual is provided with enough medication to last from release to reconnecting to services.
Various additional community service providers support in-reach programming into LCP to assist with re-entry for individuals with behavioral health issues. This includes mental health case workers supported by SCC; drug and alcohol case managers supported by the Adult Drug Court (see Intercept III, pg. 20); drug and alcohol in-reach supported by DATS; vocational and drug and alcohol programming supported by EOTC; and informal peer in-reach supported by the Advocacy Alliance.
Lackawanna County Re-Entry Task Force
The Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force (LCRTF) is a group of local agencies dedicated to helping those re-entering society from the Lackawanna County Prison System. Members of the LCRTF include a variety of criminal justice, mental health, drug and alcohol, and community service representatives, as well as consumer and family advocates. The LCRTP currently supports four subcommittees on Housing, Employment, Substance Abuse/Mental Health, and Evidence-Based Practices.
Regular monthly meetings are held to obtain community-wide stakeholder participation in learning about the state of reentry locally and to set strategic reentry planning priorities for Lackawanna County. In 2012, the LCRTF developed and released the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force Five Year Strategic Plan 2012-2016 (see Appendix D), which includes a summary of Strategic Action Areas and Logic Model (i.e., specific action plan). The LCRTF held
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two Lackawanna County Reentry Symposia in April 2013 and April 2014 that brought in local and regional experts to discuss reentry research and programming. The LCRTF provides periodic updates of planning process undertaken by the Task Force to the Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB).
Veterans Services
Lackawanna County is served by the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, located at 1111 East End Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre, PA (http://www.wilkes-barre.va.gov/; Phone: 570-824-3521 or 877-928-2621). Lackawanna County is also served by the Scranton Vet Center, located at 1002 Pittston Avenue in Scranton, PA (8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday; Phone: 570-344-2676 or 877-927-8387).
The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center supports a Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Specialist to coordinate forensic services for veterans in the criminal justice system. Kim Sapolis-Lacey ([email protected]) serves as the VJO for Lackawanna County, where she is heavily involved in the Court of Common Pleas Veterans Court (see Intercept III, pg. 21).
State Prison Re-entry
There are several behavioral health services provided to individuals re-entering Lackawanna County from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. These include outpatient substance abuse treatment; outpatient sex offender treatment; a Cognitive Behavior Restructuring Program; and an offender housing assistance program, including vouchers and small subsidies to cover utilities.
Lackawanna County contains the Scranton Community Corrections Center operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, located at 240 Adams Avenue in Scranton. Scranton CCC houses State Intermediate Punishment inmates and offenders who have been granted parole by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and provides a transitional process by allowing residents monitored contact with jobs and educational opportunities. Several other private venders in Lackawanna County contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to provide specialized treatment and supervision services, many in the area of substance abuse programming
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Identified Gaps
Limited funding for housing once inmates are released
Sometimes gaps in time for first appointment when released but the jail and SCC
works with the individual to get enough medication until their first appointment
- Currently no formal policies to sustain this collaborative effort if there is
staff change in the future
Some formulary issues when released
NHS lost full time psychiatrist – community psychiatrists are hesitant to see new
patients
Increase in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) seen in community – hard to treat
Can be released at any time from jail – difficulty setting up aftercare appointments
Difficulty getting a form of identification for inmates – needed for MA benefits
On reentry piece/taskforce, they are missing representatives from Office of
Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and CareerLink
Getting individuals “work ready”
When inmates are released, some owe significant back costs in addition to having
limited employment options
Relationship between jail and County Assistance Office (CAO) could be stronger
Aftercare services (appointment availability) is a gap in the problem solving courts
Identified Opportunities
SCC Director of Forensic Services (Dennis) is able to get inmates very quick
appointments once released
Telepsychiatry success in other counties – could be explored in Lackawanna
New Reentry Manager position will specifically target the transition process out of
jail
- Reentry Manager can help with the aftercare services linkage
- Reentry Manager will work with the inmates and the electronic
COMPASS system for reinstating Medical Assistance benefits
Barb (Treatment Courts Coordinator) has a really good relationship with CAO –can
get the Warden good contact information
Forensic Certified Peer Specialists have gone into the jail on the Mental Health
Court’s request – opportunity for more in-reach into the jail
PEERSTAR (peer services) is coming to the county to discuss possible services
SCC has a good relationship with the Public Defender’s office
The county works hard to find housing placement immediately for ID populations
Lack of money management skills – Local university students can come in and conduct training
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Intercept V: Community Corrections / Community Support
Lackawanna County Adult Probation/Parole Office
The Lackawanna County Adult Probation/Parole Office (LCAPP) provides supervision for county, state, and federal offenders under community supervision in Lackawanna County. In addition to providing probation and parole supervision, LCAPP officers’ responsibilities include conducting presentence investigations, pretrial bail reports, pretrial urine screenings, SCRAM (Alcohol Monitoring) House Arrest and bail monitoring, and GPS satellite monitoring. LCAPP is located in the Brixx Building at 130 N. Washington Avenue (3rd floor) in Scranton.
As of May 2014, LCAPP supports a total of 35 adult and juvenile probation and parole officers, and 8 administrative staff. Twelve probation and parole officers are assigned to specialty court supervision, including 8 for adult specialty courts and 4 for juvenile specialty courts. LCAPP officers are assigned to the Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, Mental Health Court, Reentry Court, Co-Occurring Court, DUI Court, Veterans Court, CIP Program, and ARD probation supervision. The typical caseload is 100 individuals per probation or parole officer; the average caseload for specialty court officers varies by court, including 140 for DUI Court, 80 for CIP Program, 60 for Adult Drug Court, and 40-50 for MHC. Many probation and parole officers supervise non-specialty court clients in addition to the specialty court responsibilities.
When an individual under community supervision in Lackawanna County violates their conditions of community supervision, they are sent directly back to correctional supervision at the Lackawanna County Prison. These individuals generally receive 6-, 9-, or 12-month “hits” on their record, during which they receive programming within the Lackawanna County Prison. Additionally, the Day Reporting program started in 2007 as a sentencing alternative for Community Intermediate Punishment (CIP) participants (see Intercept III, pg. 21) and as a sanction for probation or parole violators. Two probation officers are assigned to the program.
For more information, see http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/departmentsagencies/public-safty/adult-probation-parole.
Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole
The Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole also provides services to Lackawanna County residents under state parole supervision. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole utilizes Assessment, Sanctioning and Community Resource Agents (ASCRA) to establish and develop community resources through community organizations, faith groups, and support services. ASCRAs facilitate cognitive behavioral groups with medium- and high-risk offenders to
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target anti-social and other criminal thinking errors that contribute to violations of parole and can contribute to additional criminal activity. Referrals to this program in Lackawanna County are managed by the Lackawanna County Adult Probation/Parole Office and funded through the state correctional system. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole also provides mental health groups, mentoring programs, and reentry job fairs to resident of Lackawanna County under state parole supervision.
For more information, see http://www.pbpp.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/home/5298.
Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program
The Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention (BH/ID/EI) Program serves more than 13,000 individuals through various providers of behavioral health and intellectual disabilities services. The program's service area consists of Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties, which have a combined population of more than 255,000 residents. The program's primary goal is to facilitate the inclusion and full participation of all persons with behavioral health in their local community. It organizes itself to proactively address the planning, development, procurement, management, and evaluation of services, thereby enhancing consumer satisfaction and positive personal outcomes. Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI assumes a leadership role in collaboration with consumers, families, advocates, providers and local government to ensure full participation of persons in their communities. Each year, Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI spends nearly $67 million in public funds to make sure the behavioral health and intellectual disabilities needs of its service area communities are met.
For more information, including a description of all of the services provided through Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI, see http://www.lsmhmr.org/.
Department of Human Services Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs
The Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs (ODAP) serves as the Single County Authority (SCA) for substance abuse services within Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Its primary mission is to prevent the onset of substance abuse and addiction whenever possible and where it does exist to mitigate its deleterious effects on individuals, families, and the community as a whole. In order to achieve this the SCA is committed to the provision and maintenance of a full range of high quality and cost effective alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, intervention, and treatment services responsive to the particular needs of the citizens of Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. ODAP supports a variety of drug and alcohol services in Lackawanna County, including certified recovery specialists to assist with various treatment and community needs.
For more information, see http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/departmentsagencies/human-services/drug-and-alcohol-programs.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services (DATS) provides Lackawanna County residents with evaluation/diagnostic services, along with individual, family, group therapy, intensive out-patient program, partial hospitalization and an adolescent intensive out-patient program to those
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suffering from a drug and/or alcohol problem in an outpatient environment. Evaluation, diagnostic services, and individual and group therapy are the traditional services offered, and partial hospitalization, family therapy, intensive outpatient, and specialized adolescent programs are also major components. All major insurances and medical assistance are accepted and an agency sliding fee schedule is in effect for those without insurance coverage.
The Scranton DATS office is located at 441 Wyoming Ave., Scranton PA. 18503 and is open Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact information for the Scranton DATS office is (570) 961-1997 or [email protected]. Offices are also located in Carbondale.
Scranton Counseling Center
The Scranton Counseling Center (SCC) is a private, nonprofit behavioral healthcare program that provides a complete range of evaluative and treatment services in Lackawanna County. SCC staff includes psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, masters level behavioral specialists, licensed social workers, art therapists, nurses, caseworkers, behavioral analysts as well as other mental health and intellectual disability specialists. SCC is located at 326 Adams Avenue in Scranton.
SCC provides a variety of behavioral health programs, including adult acute and long-term behavioral health services, a dual-diagnosis residential program, emergency/crisis intervention, an employee assistance program, intensive/resource coordination case management, a partial hospitalization program, and a psychiatric rehabilitation program. These services are provided directly by SCC or through affiliation with other qualified providers/programs.
SCC supports a variety of programming specifically related to justice-involved individuals. SCC supports a Director of Forensic Services, who is located within the Lackawanna County Prison. This position receives a list of individuals entering Lackawanna County Prison who are on psychiatric medication or have received behavioral health services in the community, and does additional research to see what services the individual has received or is eligible to receive in the community upon re-entry. This position is also involved in the Court of Common Pleas Mental Health Court (see Intercept III, pg. 20). Additional related services supported by SCC include Assertive Community Treatment (including a former Forensic Assertive Community Treatment worker), peer support, and specialized case management.
For more information, including a description of all of the services provided through SCC, see http://www.scrantonscc.org/.
NHS of Northeastern PA
NHS of Northeastern PA (NHS) is a comprehensive community-based provider of mental health and intellectual disability services to infants, children, adolescents, adults, geriatric individuals and families within upper Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties. NHS provides a variety of services, including outpatient services, emergency services, psychiatric/psychological evaluations, evening/weekend programs, family-in-home therapy, intensive case management, partial hospitalization, and peer support services.
NHS provides several services specifically for justice-involved individuals in Lackawanna County. These include Mobile Crisis Intervention Services, in which trained staff provide phone and face-to-face intervention to evaluate supports and services needed to help the individual access care. Care is coordinated with other providers, family members, and any
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others designated by the individual. Crisis resources are also available at the NHS walk-in center located in Carbondale, PA. NHS also provides mental health services to participants of the Co-Occurring Court and in the Lackawanna County Prison (see Intercept III, pg. 21).
For more information, see http://www.nhsonline.org/.
NAMI PA Scranton Area Chapter
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses. Local affiliates such as the NAMI PA Scranton Area Chapter and state organizations such as NAMI Pennsylvania identify and work on issues involving individuals with mental illness in local communities. The national office, under the direction of an elected Board of Directors, provides strategic direction to the entire organization, support to NAMI's state and affiliate members, governs the NAMI corporation, and engages in advocacy, education and leadership development nationally.
The NAMI PA Scranton Area Chapter is heavily involved diversion and re-entry programming in Lackawanna County. This includes the Scranton Area Crisis Intervention Team (see Intercept I, pg. 11), various specialty courts (see Intercept III, pg. 20), the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force (see Intercept IV, pg. 23), and various other formal and informal services. The NAMI PA Scranton Chapter is located at 846 Jefferson Avenue in Scranton.
For more information, including a listing of psychiatric emergency phone numbers, see http://www.namipascranton.org/.
Community Intervention Center
The Community Intervention Center (CIC) is an established resource in Lackawanna County that has been operating for 43 years. CIC provides combined drug and alcohol, mental health, and homelessness services in Lackawanna County, including serving as a day shelter and providing supportive and safe haven housing; crisis intervention services; mental health evaluation; detoxification and inpatient mental health, substance use, and dual-diagnosis treatment referral; and recreational, self-help, and recovery groups. CIC is located at 445 N 6th Avenue in Scranton.
According to Tara Finnerty, CIC Executive Director, as of May 2014, CIC supports 18 housing placements. Four of these placements are justice-involved individuals with mental illness, and approximately 12 others are justice involved.
For more information, see http://communityinterventioncenter.org/.
Employment Opportunity & Training Center
The Employment Opportunity & Training Center (EOTC) provides a variety of vocational and related services for Lackawanna County. Workforce development services include a job search group, resume and interview preparation, and career advising and coaching. Through its court-related programs, EOTC supports employment services and life skills training (including alcohol and drug programming) for approximately 50-60 non-incarcerated male offenders. EOTC also provides individual case management, job coaching, and a variety of resources in collaboration with Adult Drug Court and Lackawanna County Adult Probation/Parole Office, and operates a Transition Support Group for participants in the Reentry Court (see Intercept III, pg.
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21). In 2011, EOTC started a weekly support group for court-involved women. EOTC also supports a weekly support group for justice-involved women.
For more information, see http://www.eotcworks.org/.
The Advocacy Alliance
The Advocacy Alliance provides advocacy and services for individuals with mental illness in Lackawanna County. Among other services, the Advocacy Alliance supports adult, child, and family mental health advocacy; community developmental disability services; community mental health services, including support groups, peer support, a Community Support Program, and Recovery Center; Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); consumer and family satisfaction teams; consumer financial management services; and the Mental Health WARM LINE. The Advocacy Alliance also supports informal peer in-reach into the Lackawanna County Prison.
For more information, see http://theadvocacyalliance.org/.
A Better Today, Inc.
A Better Today, Inc. (ABT) provides outpatient drug and alcohol services including; evaluations, individual sessions, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization groups. A Better Today, Inc. has a twenty-five year history of out-patient substance abuse treatment programs dating back to its inception in 1988 with the opening of the Lackawanna County Office in Scranton, Penna. In the past ten years, A Better Today, Inc has become a specialist in forensic treatment and a major facilitator of forensic programs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
ABT accepts all insurances and funding sources both public and private, and we work with clients to arrange fair payments programs for those who do not qualify for other forms of funding. A Better Today’s Scranton office is located at 1339 North Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18508. Information can be obtained or appointments can be made by calling 570-344-1444.
Catholic Social Services
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton provides a variety of counseling, substance use, and housing services for Lackawanna County. Among other services, Catholic Social Services supports adult and family counseling services, employee assistance, and a monthly legal clinic; a Drug and Alcohol Treatment program, Multiple Offender program, pre- and post-trial services, and urinalysis services; and housing counseling, supportive housing and shelters, and veteran housing.
For more information, see http://cssdioceseofscranton.org/.
Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Goodwill Industries of NEPA provides a variety of employment and housing services for Lackawanna County. Goodwill Industries of NEPA supports competitive community employment and placement services, adult daycare services, and group homes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Goodwill Industries of NEPA also supports a Mental Health Court Liaison position to work with the Court of Common Pleas Mental Health Court (see Intercept III, pg. 20).
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For more information, see http://goodwillnepa.org/.
Step-by-Step
Step-by-Step, Inc., provides a variety of housing services in Lackawanna County. Step-by-Step supports a co-occurring housing facility with six single-occupancy furnished apartments, as well as three double-occupancy furnished apartments specifically for individuals with mental health issues. Both of these facilities are staffed 24 per day, 7 days per week, and currently provide housing for participants in the Court of Common Pleas Mental Health Court and Co-Occurring Court (see Intercept III, pg. 20).
For more information, see http://www.stepbystepusa.com/.
Clarks Summit State Hospital
Clarks Summit State Hospital is an extended acute care psychiatric hospital serving 11 counties in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, including Lackawanna County. Clarks Summit State Hospital is part of a continuum of care that provides individualized psychiatric treatment for adults with serious and persistent mental illness.
Clarks Summit State Hospital accepts involuntary hospitalization transfers (“304s”) from Lackawanna County for intake and psychiatric stabilization. Once stabilized, these individuals are transitioned to less restrictive services as determined by criminal justice oversight. As of May 2014, Lackawanna County Prison reported having individuals undergoing inpatient treatment at Clarks Summit State Hospital.
For more information, see http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/statehospitals/clarkssummitstatehospital/index.htm.
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Identified Gaps
Zoning issues for housing
“Not in my backyard” mentality
Three public housing authorities in the county with a lot of Section 8 vouchers but
they are not involved in these discussions
Goodwill gets referrals from OVR but OVR can be a long process
Public transportation is pretty limited
Limited employment for criminal justice populations
Transportation issues limit employment opportunities
CJAB strategic plan is in draft form – Barbara will work with CJAB chair to get
discuss incorporating priorities and action plan into the strategic plan
Sometimes low family involvement for criminal justice population
Identified Opportunities
If you work with the Public Housing Authority (PHA) and appeal the initial rejection,
they have been willing to work with agencies to get future approval
Parole agents have been very collaborative with Habit OPCO Dunmore Treatment
Center
State probation and parole really pushing for reentry job fairs in every district
State parole is making a lot of efforts on the front end of the system
Advocacy Alliance, Mental Health Courts, NHS, and SCC have peer support
specialists
SCC recently hired a forensic peer for the ACT team
Recovery Specialist from DATS has been a huge asset to D&A system – able to fill
in the gaps
Step by Step and Allied Services work with treatment courts to place defendants in
housing
Goodwill has several contacts of employers in the area that will take criminal
involved individuals
Commonwealth Medical College is a great resource on the substance abuse side –
medical internship with Habit OPCO – resource for SA and MH screening - really
open to working with community SA and MH providers
Act 105: The county has one Marcellus Shale well and thus eligible for some
housing funding from Pennsylvania Health Financing Agency
Act 137 funding available
Allied Services, Catholic Services, and Step by Step also provides supportive
housing
BH/ID/EI Program uses a template for strategic planning that could be shared with
the group (See Appendix D, pg. 56)
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Lackawanna County Priorities
Subsequent to the completion of the Cross-Systems Mapping exercise, the assembled stakeholders began to define specific areas of activity that could be mobilized to address the gaps and opportunities identified in the group discussion about the cross-systems map. Listed below are the priority areas identified by the workshop participants and the votes received for each proposed priority. Each participant is given three votes, two regular and one high priority. A high priority votes represents what they consider to be the most imporatnt priority to address.
Top Priorities
1. Housing (14 High Priority/19 Total Votes)
2. Expansion of MH and SA screening, assessment, brief interventions (3 HP/ 11 TV)
3. Develop pretrial services with attention to BH populations (3 HP/ 9 TV)
a. Early identification
b. Propose community alternative
4. Expand detox options (2 HP/ 9 TV)
5. Expand employment options (1 HP/ 9 TV)
6. Sustain and expand CIT (2HP/ 6 TV)
7. Create a database of community resources for criminal justice populations (0HP/ 6 TV)
8. Address silos across MH, SA, and ID services (1HP/ 5 TV)
9. Identify consistent outcomes and methods for tracking (2 HP/ 4 TV)
a. To support sustainability
10. Ensure continuity of care for medication and aftercare treatment for MH and D&A (1 HP/ 4 TV)
a. Support and sustain reentry task force
11. Collaborate with community hospitals for admission and treatment access (1 HP/ 3 TV)
12. Expand peer support across intercepts (1 HP/ 2 TV)
13. More collaboration with MDJs (0 HP/ 2 TV)
14a (tie). Education regarding MH, co-occurring disorders, and recovery (0 HP/ 1 TV)
14b (tie). Cognitive behavioral restructuring regarding effects of institutionalization (0 HP/ 1 TV)
14c (tie). Expand after-hours crisis services (0 HP/ 1 TV)
14d (tie). Engage and outreach to LE (0 HP/ 1 TV)
15a (tie). Include Public Defender in discussion (0 HP/ 0 TV)
15b (tie). Expand network of clinical services (0 HP/ 0 TV)
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
34
Lackawanna County Action Plan
Priority: Moving Forward
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Draft report of
Cross-System
Mapping (CSM)
workshop
1. Draft report
2. Review report
3. Finalize report
1. COE staff
2. Steering Committee, CSM
workshop participants
3. COE staff with feedback
from CSM workshop
participants
1. By May 30,
2014
2. Once receive
report
3. Over Summer
2014
2 Discuss CSM
report within
CJAB
1. Distribute CSM
report to CJAB
2. Review and discuss
CSM report
3. Incorporate into
Strategic Plan
1. Barb Durkin will send out to
CJAB members
2. CJAB
3. CJAB
1. Once receives
report
2. Summer 2014
meeting
3. Following
Summer 2014
meeting
3 Bring other
stakeholders to
table
1. Involve law
enforcement, DA’s
office, PD’s office,
Sheriff’s office,
CAO, OVR, Career
Link, EOTC, MDJs,
local hospital
administration, VJO
specialist,
Commissioners, area
transportation,
Mainstream Housing,
employers, Wood
Foundation, Sheetz
2. Invited through CJAB
1. Barb Durkin will
communicate with CJAB
2. Judge Geroulo will invite
4 Re-Entry Task
Force to take
lead, under
umbrella of
CJAB
Update and enhance Re-
Entry Strategy Plan
based on CSM report
Monthly meetings
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
35
Priority Area 1: Housing (14 High Priority/19 Total Votes)
Work Group: Bill McCarthy (Chief Probation Officer, LCAPP), Mike Hanley (UNC), Bridget Haggerty
(Catholic Social Services)
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Involve Bill McCarthy from
LCAPP
Communicate priority and
action plan with Bill McCarthy
(LCAPP)
Len Bogart
2 Collect inventory of current
housing options
3 Establish a dialogue with
Public Housing Authority
and mainstream resources
4 Investigate and pursue
funding opportunities
1. Fair Housing Act
2. Act 105 (PHFA, Marcellus
Shale money)
3. Act 137 (Housing Trust
Fund)
5 Explore “Set Asides” in
housing development
6 Utilize Disability Rights
Network as resource on Fair
Housing Act
Karen Pasqualicchio (DRN) as
contact
7 Set next meeting Friday,
5/21, at
3pm
Priority Area 2: Expansion of MH/SA Screening, Assessment, Brief Interventions (3/11)
Work Group: Kevin McLaughlin (DATS), Colleen Phillips (MHC), Kerry Browning (DHS and LCRTF
Evidence Based Practice workgroup chair), Douglas Alberton (CRC), Carl Mosier (Advocacy Alliance),
Sal Santoli (SCC), Dennis Russo (SCC), Kerry Bentler (Mental Health Court); designee from Office of
the District Attorney, Sheriff’s Office, and Processing Center
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Start with Processing
Center
2 Look at established 1. Screening, Brief
Intervention and Referral to
1. Kevin M. has done
training
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
36
screening measures Treatment (SBIRT)
2. Brief Jail Mental Health
Screen (BJMHS)
2. COE will provide
more resources
3 Start incorporating CJ
decision makers
Include DA’s office, PD’s
Office, Sheriff’s Office
4 Combine LCRTF
workgroups on MH/DA
and Evidence Based
Practice
Meeting in
June 2014
5 Set next meeting
Priority Area 3: Develop Pretrial services with attention to behavioral health populations (3/9)
Work Group: Len Bogart (LCP), Robert McMillan (LCP), Colleen Orzel (LCP), Barb Durkin
(Treatment Court), Stacey Little (NHS), Kevin Gownley (Probation); designee from DHS, Office of the
Public Defender, and Officer of District Attorney
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Focus on early
identification of individuals
with mental health and drug
and alcohol issues entering
justice system
2 Develop and propose
community alternatives
3 Increase collaboration with
MDJs
4 Build from state and
national interest
1. Build on interest from
Secretary Wetzel of PA
DOC
2. “Healthcare Not Handcuffs”
initiative
3. PA Pretrial Association
4. National Criminal Justice
Association webinar
5. National pretrial association
5 Set next meeting May 28 at
1pm, LCJ
conference
room
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
37
Priority Area 4: Expand detox options (2/9)
Work Group: Jon Wasp (CRC), Rene Esgro (ODAP), Mark Schor (First Hospital), Barb Durkin
(Treatment Court)
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Define “detox” and expand
on current resources
1. Investigate expanding CRC
methadone maintenance to
detoxification
2. Investigate other medication
options for detox in existing
settings
3. Explore opportunities
expanding current resources
1. Jon W. (CRC)
2 Explore funding for
continuing prior resources
and developing new detox
options
1. Barb D. in conversation with
local MD and manufacturer
– will follow up and then set
meeting
2. Investigate how to fund
services
3. Federal Prison System use of
assisted medication upon
reentry
4. Muncy Pilot Reentry use of
assisted medication upon
release
5. Wilkes-Barre Hospital
resources
6. Expanding of Choices
Program (doubling capacity
by Oct/Nov)
1. Barb D.
3 Explore outpatient detox
options
1. CRC system of care
2. Other providers
4 Address people going to
hospital ERs
Training for drug and alcohol
pre-certification
5 Utilize Crisis Response
Center for DA and MH
6 Moving forward 1. Follow up with MD and
manufacturer and set up
meeting
2. Continue discussions with
justice system
representatives
1. Barb D.
2. Mark S.
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
38
Priority Area 5: Expand Employment Options (1/9)
Work Group: Jeff Gummoe (Goodwill), Angela Seibert (EOTC and LCRTF Housing workgroup chair),
Colleen Orzel (LCP), Tara Finnerty (CIC), LCRTF Housing workgroup members
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Develop conversations with
Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation
1. Discuss length of time to
receive evaluation and
access to services
2. Place in context of
Treatment Courts
Judge Geroulo
2 Explore and develop
employment options for
justice-involved individuals
1. Build on Goodwill’s
relationships with employer
resources
2. Explore Catholic Social
Services and Allied Services
opportunities
3. JCP, Path Stone, etc. have
list of options
4. Address OVR being sole
source of funding for
Goodwill; Strategies to
expand?
5. Christine Davis (Career
Link) works with local
employers and has interest in
ex-offenders
3 Train justice-involved
individuals to be work
ready
1. Work ready (Job coach, peer
support)
2. Financial literacy training
(Consumer Credit
Counseling Agency,
FLAME program)
3. EOTC and Pathstones as
resources
4 Develop money
management skills
1. Financial Literacy training
2. Consumer Credit Agencies
3. Counseling before leaving
jail
4. Peer support
5 Develop transportation
services to support
expanded employment
options
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
39
6 Educate employers about
opportunities of hiring
justice-involved individuals
1. Tax credits
2. Bonding
3. Regular drug testing
7 Review court fines and
costs (collateral
consequences) in context of
individuals’ ability to pay
8 Set next meeting Friday,
5/21, at
2pm
Priority Area 6: Expand and sustain CIT (incorporating Priority Area 14d)
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Discuss at next CJAB
meeting
1. Bring up CIT at next CJAB
meeting
2. Make CIT part of CJAB
3. Steering Group to talk with
Jen McConnell (PCCD)
first
Jen McConnell
(PCCD)
CJAB
Summer
2014
meeting
2 Reinstate regular planning
meetings
1. Update meetings
established in by-laws
2. Set up a next meeting
3 Bring in officers already
trained in CIT
4 Bring police chiefs back on
board
1. Discuss with Judge
Geroulo, DA’s Office,
Mayor of Scranton
5 Explore funding to support
efforts
6 Look at number of trained
officers for each law
enforcement jurisdiction
7 Have another Introduction to
CIT presentation for
stakeholders and community
1. Include graduates, Chiefs of
Police, media
2. COE will provide resources
1. CIT board
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
40
on autism, PA Chiefs of
Police, annual CIT
conference, etc.
2. COE staff
8 Investigate whether County
BH office could support
some of the administrative
functions
9 Investigate involvement in
PCCD supported state study
on CIT
Priority Area: Data group (incorporating Priority Areas 7 and 9)
Work Group: Bill Browning (DHS), Doug Alberton (CRC), Barb Durkin (Treatment Court), Joanne
Lombardo Loughney (BH/ID/EI)
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Identify outcomes
2 Measure outcomes
3 Develop databases of
resources
1. Community resources
2. Typing outcomes to success
4 Set meeting Bill B.’s office to contact
group and set up meeting
Priority Area 10: Ensure continuity of care for medication and aftercare treatment for MH and DA in
Intercept 4 (incorporating Priority Area 14b)
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Support and sustain Re-
Entry Task Force
2 Address effects of
institutionalization on
individuals in CJ system
1. Cognitive-behavioral
restructuring regarding
effects of
institutionalization
2. Explore programming
inside jail (Stepping Up,
daily living skills)
3. “Back on Track” for parole
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
41
violators
4. EOTC programming
5. Explore for community
providers
6. Include programming for
individuals ages 18-25
years
7. Explore established
resources: SPECTRM,
GAINS webinar, Interactive
Journaling
COE will provide
information
Priority Area 11: Collaboration with community hospitals for admission and treatment access
Objective Action Step Who When
1 Presentation to MHC judges
by state hospital
Monica Bradbury
(CHHS) and Jeremy Yale
(BH/ID/EI)
2 Talk to judges regarding
community hospitals
Dennis Russo (SCC)
3 Address long wait for
commitments to get a
forensic bed
Investigate sources of
information and resources with
community services
Jeremy Yale (BH/ID/EI)
to raise with BH/DA
administration;
Karen Pasqualicchio
(DRN) to raise with
Disability Rights
Network
4 Establish communication
with community hospitals
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
42
Conclusion
Participants in the Cross-Systems Mapping workshop showed much enthusiasm in working together to improve the continuum of resources available for people with severe mental illness and often co-occurring substance use disorders involved in the Lackawanna County criminal justice system. Lackawanna County is poised to tackle a number of critical issues that will greatly improve services for this group. The assembled stakeholders spent time gaining a greater understanding of their shared systems, as well as crafting strategies related to improving the collaborative infrastructure for the group and addressing the gaps and opportunities at each intercept.
Considerable work has already been undertaken to improve services for people with severe mental illness and often co-occurring substance use disorders involved in the Lackawanna County criminal justice system. Crisis Intervention Team training for law enforcement, a number of specialty court dockets, in-jail treatment programs, and specialty probation and parole supervision are some examples of current Lackawanna County initiatives. The county has made reentry a top priority with the establishment of the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force (see Appendix D, pg. 58) and second annual Lackawanna County Reentry Symposium. Lackawanna County has also developed some thoughtful data to begin to provide a clearer understanding of the issues being discussed. In addition, introducing Mental Health First Aid, continuing Crisis Intervention Team Training, and expanding housing and treatment options are promising community efforts that generated a good deal of interest during the workshop. Local stakeholders participating in the Cross-Systems Mapping were clearly interested in building on current successes to better serve this population.
The expansion of the planning group to tackle the priorities established during the Cross-Systems Mapping workshop is an essential next step in a true systems change process. It will be important to create effective working relationships with other groups that did not attend the workshop, including local chiefs of police, the Offices of the District Attorney and Public Defender, the Department of Veterans Affairs, local hospital administrators, local Magisterial District Judges, the Social Security Administration, the County Assistance Office, and other local service providers. Regular meetings should be held by this larger group to facilitate information sharing, planning, networking, development and coordination of resources, and problem solving.
Closing
Lackawanna County is fortunate to have a wide range of stakeholders across the mental health, substance abuse, and criminal justice systems that have made significant efforts to understand and support the challenging issues discussed in this workshop. The Cross-Systems Mapping workshop gave these stakeholders a chance to develop a coordinated strategy to move forward with the identified priorities.
By reconvening and supporting the work of the group in coming months, it will be possible to maintain the momentum created during the Cross-Systems Mapping workshop and build on the creativity and drive of key local stakeholders. The Pennsylvania Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence hopes to continue its relationship with Lackawanna County and to observe its progress. Please visit the Pennsylvania Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence website for more information, www.pacenterofexcellence.pitt.edu
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
43
Appendix A: Participant List
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Alberton, Douglas
Habit OPCO - CRC Health
Group, Clinic Director -CTC
Division
118 Monahan Ave.,
Dunmore PA 18512
(570) 344-0183
x2704 [email protected]
Barden, Maureen
Project Fellow,
Pennsylvania Health Law
Project
123 Chestnut Street -
Suite 400
Philadelphia PA
19106
(215) 287-4238 [email protected]
Barrassee, Michael
Lackawanna County Court of
Common Pleas, Judge -
Treatment Court
200 North
Washington Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503
(570) 963-6452 [email protected]
Bentler, Kerry
Mental Health Treatment
Court, Certified Peer
Specialist, CIT Trained, and
MH Advocate
219 Putnam St.,
Scranton PA 18508 (570) 677-2001 [email protected]
Bogart, Leonard Lackawanna County Prison,
Administrative Officer
1371 North
Washington Ave.,
Scranton PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
x4522
bogartl@lackawannacounty.
org
Bollick, Candy
A Better Today, Clinical
Supervisor
1339 North Main
Ave., Scranton PA
18508
(570) 344-1444
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
44
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Bradbury, Monica
Clarks Summit State Hospital
(CSSH),
Chief Executive Officer
1451 Hillside Drive,
Clarks Summit PA
18411
(570) 587-7250 [email protected]
Browning, Kerry
Lackawanna County DHS-
Office of Youth and Family
Services,
Court & Community Services
Director
200 Adams Ave., 4th
Floor, Scranton PA
18503
(570) 963-6781 kimmickk@lackawannacoun
ty.org
Browning, William
Lackawanna County
Department of Human
Services,
Executive Director
200 Adams Ave., 4th
Floor, Scranton PA
18503
(570) 963-6781 browningw@lackawannacou
nty.org
Buck, Bill
The Advocacy Alliance,
Mental Health Advocate
846 Jefferson Ave.,
Scranton PA 18501 (570) 207-0157 [email protected]
Durkin, Barb
Lackawanna County
Treatment Court,
Treatment Court Coordinator
130 North
Washington Ave.,
2nd Floor Brixx
Building, Scranton
PA 18503
(570) 496-1736
x7431 [email protected]
Esgro, Rene
Lackawanna-Susquehanna
Office of Drug and Alcohol
Programs,
Case Management Supervisor
507 Linden St., 5th
Floor, Scranton PA
18503
(570) 963-6820
rg
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
45
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Finnerty, Tara
Community Intervention
Center,
Executive Director
445 6th Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503 (570) 207-3822 [email protected]
Gallagher, Jim NBHCC, CEO
72 Glenmaura
National Blvd., 2nd
floor, Moosic, PA
18507
(570) 344-4398 [email protected]
Gummoe, Jeff
Goodwill Industries of NEPA,
MH Court
Liaison (Job Coach)
925 Prospect Ave.,
Scranton PA 18505
(570) 343-1166
(570) 290-1787 [email protected]
Haggerty, Bridget Catholic Social Services (570) 207-2283
x117 [email protected]
Hanley, Mike
United Neighborhood Centers
(UNC),
Executive Director
425 Alder St.,
Scranton PA 18505 (570) 346-0759 [email protected]
Kolcharno, Maria Marworth,
Director of Admissions
PO Box 36, Lily
Lake Rd., Waverly,
PA 18471-7736
(800) 442-7722
(570) 563-1112
x316
Little, Stacey
NHS of Northeastern PA,
Executive Director
30-32 North Main
St., Carbondale PA
18407
(570) 282-1732
x226
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
46
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Lombardo
Loughney, Joanne
Lackawanna-Susquehanna
BH/ID/EI Program, Quality
Management Coordinator
507 Linden St., 8th
Floor, Scranton PA
18503
(570) 346-5741 lombardoloughneyj@lsbhide
i.org
McLaughlin, Kevin
Drug & Alcohol Treatment
Services (DATS), Executive
Director
1st Floor Single Tax
Office, 441
Wyoming Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503
(570) 961-1997 [email protected]
om
McMillan, Robert Lackawanna County Prison,
Warden
1371 North
Washington Ave.,
Scranton PA 18509
(570) 963-6639
x4524
McMillanR@lackawannaco
unty.org
Mosier, Carl
The Advocacy Alliance,
CSP Co-Chair & Peer
Specialist/Community
Services Specialist
1904 Price St., Rear,
Scranton PA
18504/846 Jefferson
Ave., PO Box 1368,
Scranton PA 18501
(570) 961-0785
(570) 342-7762
g
Newcomer,
HelenMae
Scranton Counseling Center &
NAMI Board Member, Family
Member and School Based
Program
326 Adams Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503 (570) 479-3200 [email protected]
Nocilla, Stephen
Catholic Social Services of
Lackawanna County,
Diocesan Director of Housing
& Residential Services
516 Fig St., Scranton
PA 18505
(570) 207-2283
x123 [email protected]
O’Connell, Sandy
Step By Step, MH Court and
Co-Occurring Court
Liaison/Assistant Service
Director
312 North Blakely
St., Dunmore PA
18509/744 Kidder
St., Wilkes Barre PA
18702
(570) 341-9114
m
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
47
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Onukiavage, Marie NAMI PA Scranton Area
Chapter, Executive Director
846 Jefferson Ave.,
Scranton PA 18510 (570) 342-1047 [email protected]
Orzel, Colleen Lackawanna County Prison,
Re-entry Manager
1371 North
Washington Ave.,
Scranton PA 18509
(570) 963-6639 [email protected]
rg
Pasqualicchio,
Karen
Disability Rights Network of
PA (DRN),
Community Advocate,
Northeast
1414 North Cameron
St., Suite C,
Harrisburg PA
17103
(800) 692-7443
x414 [email protected]
Petherick, Kelly First Hospital,
Director of OP Services
562 Wyoming Ave.,
Kingston PA 18704 (570) 552-3975
Phillips, Colleen
Mental Health Treatment
Court,
MH Court Coordinator
130 North
Washington Ave.,
2nd Floor, Brixx
Building, Scranton
PA 18503
(570) 496-1736 phillipsc@lackawannacount
y.org
Russo, Dennis Scranton Counseling Center,
Director of Forensic Services
326 Adams Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503 (570) 650-8158 [email protected]
Santoli, Sal
Scranton Counseling Center,
Chief Operating Officer
326 Adams Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503
(570) 348-6100
x3201
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
48
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Simpson, Kristen
Scranton Counseling Center,
Service Director-SCC/Board
of Directors-Scranton Area
CIT
326 Adams Ave.,
Scranton PA 18503
(570) 348-6100
X3205
Kristen.Simpson@scrantons
cc.org
Walsh, Maureen
Allied Services - Harbor
House,
Director of MH Services
108 Eliza St.,
Scranton PA 18508 (570) 346-9558 [email protected]
Wasp, Jonathon
Habit OPCO - CRC Health
Group,
Regional Director, CTC
Division
118 Monahan Ave.,
Dunmore PA 18512
(570) 344-0183
(570) 344-5327 [email protected]
Wydeen, Tina CCBHO,
Regional Director
72 Glenmaura
National Blvd., 2nd
Floor, Moosic PA
18507
(570) 496-1312 [email protected]
Yale, Jeremy
Lackawanna-Susquehanna
BH/ID/EI Program,
Acting Administrator
507 Linden St., 8th
Floor, Scranton PA
18503
(570) 346-5741 [email protected]
Center of Excellence (CoE) and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Staff
Dr. Patricia Griffin Lead Consultant, Center of
Excellence
8503 Flourtown
Ave.
Wyndmoor, PA
19038
215 836-0570 [email protected]
Casey LaDuke
Research Assistance, PA
Mental Health and Justice
Center of Excellence
3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA
19104
215-553-7174 [email protected]
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
49
Last Name,
First Name Agency / Title
Street Address
City, State, Zip Phone E-Mail
Katy Winckworth-
Prejsnar
Project Coordinator, Center of
Excellence
3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA
19104
215-553-7174 [email protected]
Jennifer McConnell
Criminal Justice Advisory
Board Specialist, Pennsylvania
Commission on Crime and
Delinquency (PCCD)
570-753-2659
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
50
Appendix B: Lackawanna Cross Systems Mapping: Follow-Up Resources
I. Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP)
PHLP is a nationally recognized expert and consultant on access to health care for low-
income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. For more than two decades,
PHLP has engaged in direct advocacy on behalf of individual consumers while working on
the kinds of health policy changes that promise the most to the Pennsylvanians in greatest
need.
PHLP also has a project fellow who is working with county jails and other correctional
systems to help them enroll incarcerated people in health care coverage before they leave
custody. The goal is to facilitate a seamless transition from medical care during incarceration
to medical care in the community. Some individuals qualify now for Medicaid or subsidized
insurance purchased through the marketplace; once Medicaid is expanded in Pennsylvania,
forecast for January 2015, many more people will qualify. To begin the process of making
access to health care coverage an integral part of reentry planning, contact Maureen
Barden, [email protected] or go to http://www.phlp.org/.
II. SAMHSA’s Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
SBIRT is an evidence-based approach to identifying persons who use alcohol and other drugs at risky
levels with the goal of reducing and preventing related health consequences, disease, accidents and
injuries. Risky substance use is a health issue and often goes undetected.
SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach that provides opportunities for early
intervention before more severe consequences occur. Evidence-based tools that are demonstrated to
be valid and reliable in identifying individuals with problem use or at risk for a Substance Use
Disorder (SUD) must be used. Based on implementation of this model nationally, of 459,599 patients
screened, 22.7 percent screened positive for a spectrum of use (risky/problematic, abuse/addiction).
Of those who screened positive 15.9 percent were recommended for a brief intervention with a
smaller percentage recommended for brief treatment (3.2 percent) or referral to specialty treatment
(3.7 percent). More information is available at: http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/clinical-
practice/sbirt
For additional information on core elements of the SBIRT and services implementation challenges,
barriers, cost, and sustainability, please go to: http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA13-
4741?WT.ac=EB_20130603_SMA13-4741
III. Brief Jail Mental Health Screen
The effective quick, simple, and FREE Brief Jail Mental Health Screen (BJMHS) is a powerful
booking tool to screen incoming detainees in jails and detention centers for the need for further
mental health assessment. Developed by Policy Research Associates, with funding from the National
Institute of Justice, the BJMHS was validated in a study that included 10,330 detainees from four
jails, two in New York and two in Maryland. 73% of males and 62% of females were correctly
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
51
identified as having a severe mental illness, making the BJMHS a strong, available solution to
identify the further need for mental health evaluation for incoming detainees.
Available to download at: http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/topical_resources/bjmhs.asp
IV. SAMHSA’s GAINS Center Webinar: “Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved
Persons with Mental Illness: Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions"
Presented by Dr. Merrill Rotter of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and NYC TASC and Eric
Olson of the Bonneville County, Idaho Mental Health Court
To complement the "Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness:
Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions" brief
(http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/cms-assets/documents/141805-776469.cbt-fact-sheet---merrill-
rotter.pdf) written by Dr. Merrill Rotter and released on the GAINS Center website in early December
2013, Dr. Rotter of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and NYC TASC and Eric Olson of the
Bonneville County, ID Mental Health Court held a webinar on the brief and shared their knowledge
on what the research says and how to apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in real world settings.
For the recording and PowerPoint slides, as well as other webinars on evidence-based practices for
justice-involved person with mental illness please go to:
http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/topical_resources/ebps.asp
V. SAMHSA’s GAINS Center: Sensitizing Providers to the Effects of Correctional Incarceration
on Treatment and Risk Management (SPECTRM)
Discussed during the webinar above, Sensitizing Providers to the Effects of Correctional
Incarceration on Treatment and Risk Management (SPECTRM) targets provider training with a
defined modality of rehabilitation to expand the willingness and ability of clinicians to help
individuals with mental health issues reach their recovery goals. This brief covers the history of
SPECTRM, features of the program, inmate code and how staff interpret these behaviors as resistance
in the therapeutic setting, and concluding remarks.
More information available at: http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/reentry/Spectrum.pdf
VI. The Change Companies: Interactive Journaling
Also discussed in the webinar above, Interactive Journaling is a goal-directed, client-centered model
that aims to reduce substance abuse and substance-related behaviors, such as criminal recidivism, by
guiding adults and youth with substance use disorders through a process of written self-reflection.
The model is based on structured and expressive writing techniques, principles of motivational
interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and the integration of the transtheoretical model of
behavior change. The approach helps participants modify their behavior as they progress through the
stages of change that underlie the transtheoretical model: (1) precontemplation (not intending to
begin the change in behavior in the next 6 months), (2) contemplation (intending to begin the change
in behavior in the next 6 months), (3) preparation (intending to begin the change in behavior in the
next 30 days), (4) action (practicing the behavior for less than 6 months), and (5) maintenance
(practicing the behavior for at least 6 months). A variety of journals are available including those
who focus on offenders with mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and entering the community
from incarceration. One series of journals focuses on veterans.
For more information please go to: https://www.changecompanies.net/ij.php and
http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=333
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Staff at both the Queens (New York City) and the San Luis Obispo (California) problem solving
courts are using Interactive Journaling on both a group and individual basis with participants across
mental health, drug, and other specialty courts. They are enthusiastic about the journaling and note
they are also able to use the journaling in jail where program space is limited.
VII. Healthcare not Handcuffs: Putting the Affordable Care Act to Work for Criminal Justice and
Drug Policy Reform
Written by Chloe Cockburn, Daliah Heller, and Gabriel Sayegh
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sets the stage for a new health-oriented policy framework to address
substance use and mental health disorders. By dramatically expanding and funding healthcare
coverage to millions of currently uninsured people, the ACA represents a remarkable opportunity for
criminal justice and drug policy reform advocates to advance efforts for policies promoting safe and
healthy communities, without excessive reliance on the criminal justice solutions that have become so
prevalent under the War on Drugs.
Available to download at:
https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/assets/healthcare_not_handcuffs_12172013.pdf
VIII. National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) Webinar: “The Evidence Behind Pretrial:
Enhancing the Use of Data-Driven Decision-Making”
High-level discussion with leading experts on what research says about pretrial detention, risk
assessment, and the impact of decision-making on public safety, fairness, and cost-effectiveness. In
addition, attendees heard from two pretrial service agencies with experience implementing and using
risk assessments to make data-driven decisions related to pretrial release and supervision.
Pretrial detainees account for more than 60 percent of the inmate population in our nation’s jails. The
cost to detain defendants pretrial has been estimated at over $9 billion per year. Recent studies show
that there are challenges in the current system regarding who should be detained and who should be
released pretrial. Many jurisdictions release a large percentage of high-risk defendants, while
detaining many low-risk defendants.
Presenters:
Anne Milgram, Vice President of Criminal Justice, Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Chris Lowenkamp, Lecturer, University of Missouri - Kansas City
Tara Boh Klute, Chief Operating Officer, Pretrial Services - Kentucky Administrative Office
of the Courts
Holly Szablewski, Judicial Review Coordinator - Milwaukee County
For the recording and PowerPoint slides please go to: http://www.ncja.org/webinars-events/pretrial-
webinars#sthash.M489svEs.dpuf
IX. Encountering People with Autism: A First Responders’ Training
This short (approximately 20 minute) video provides first responders with practical information for
recognizing the presence of autism as well as the behavioral implications and ideas for managing the
encounter. The video was produced by M. Bartley and F. Caloiero for the Allegheny County District
Attorney’s Association.
To watch the video please go to: http://www.pacenterofexcellence.pitt.edu/documents/autism.mp4
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X. SAMHSA’s Grant Initiative on Behavioral Health Treatment Court Collaboratives
SAMHSA has twice offered a grant opportunity targeted specifically to jurisdictions with multiple
treatment courts/diversion efforts. While the most recent grant opportunity is closed, the thinking
underlying this initiative suggests a productive approach to integrating community treatment
resources while expanding the reach and efficacy of multiple treatment courts/diversion efforts at a
local level.
Description of the 2014 RFP, which closed in April.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance
Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) are accepting applications
for fiscal year (FY) 2014 grants to Develop and Expand Behavioral Health Treatment Court
Collaboratives (BHTCC). The purpose of this program is to allow local courts more flexibility to
collaborate with multiple criminal justice system components and local community treatment and
recovery providers to address the behavioral health needs of adults who are involved with the
criminal justice system and provide the opportunity to divert them from the criminal justice system.
The collaborative will allow eligible individuals to receive treatment and recovery support services as
part of a court collaborative. This program will focus on connecting with individuals early in their
involvement with the criminal justice system and prioritize the participation of municipal and
misdemeanor courts in the collaborative.
SAMHSA’s vision of BHTCC in the justice system is one that supports treatment and recovery
support for people with behavioral health conditions and that improves public health and public
safety. Many communities have specialized court programs that serve one subset or another of
behavioral health conditions. There are an estimated 2400 drug courts, 300 mental health courts, and
100 veterans treatment courts operating in the United States that engage individuals with various
behavioral health conditions. Some of these courts serve people with co-occurring disorders while
others do not. Drug courts have standardized guidelines and in some states, required protocols and
sanctions. Mental health courts on the other hand, are unique and sanctions are applied more flexibly.
Recognizing that different approaches work best with different populations, a collaborative,
coordinated system is necessary to ensure people with behavioral health needs involved in the justice
system are identified and best served.
SAMHSA recognizes that individuals with behavioral health conditions (e.g., serious mental illnesses
(SMI), substance use and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders) who are involved with the
criminal justice system face many obstacles obtaining quality behavioral health services in the
community. Often, these disorders are first identified and addressed in justice settings where limited
resources are available to address them. The interface between justice systems and community
behavioral health care is often disjointed, allowing service gaps and fragmented care to disrupt the
individual’s transition from incarceration to the community and threatens their recovery.
SAMHSA believes that substance use and mental disorders should be seen in a larger behavioral
health context, and therefore seeks to promote transformation in service systems that will change how
individuals with behavioral health conditions are identified, screened, adjudicated, and referred for
treatment. These changes require significant infrastructure and service system change in which all
relevant services, essential to succeed in the community are addressed. As in all behavioral health
settings, services that include health, housing, employment, treatment and recovery support must be
consumer centered, recovery focused, evidence based and quality driven approaches.
The BHTCC grant program provides opportunities for courts to build collaborations with other
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existing criminal courts, court diversion programs, and/or alternatives to incarceration programs in
order to facilitate the transformation of the State and local behavioral health delivery system. By
leveraging a spectrum of community-based services, the courts can facilitate the expansion and
enhancement of treatment and recovery support services for adults with behavioral health conditions.
The collaborative allows for the coordination of judicial activities and for screening, referral,
adjudication, monitoring and treatment of adults with behavioral health conditions. Services to
eligible adults with behavioral health conditions will be consumer centered, recovery oriented,
evidence-based, quality driven, and trauma informed. In alignment with the goals of SAMHSA’s
Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative, this grant program will help reduce the pervasive, harmful,
and costly health impact of violence and trauma by integrating trauma-informed approaches
throughout systems. The BHTCC seeks to address behavioral health disparities among racial and
ethnic minorities through this program by encouraging the implementation of strategies to decrease
the differences in access, service use, and outcomes among these subpopulations in this program.
The population of focus for BHTCC grantees are adults identified by the court or community as
having a behavioral health condition and who have been charged with a criminal offense and
transferred to a local criminal court for trial/adjudication of that offense, diverted from the justice
system through judicial screening, and/or sentenced to incarceration in jail or prison and returning to
the community under some form of judicial supervision.
The BHTCC program provides joint funding from CSAT and CMHS to allow collaborating courts to
address the behavioral health needs of individuals in the criminal justice or court continuum,
including those who are reentering society after being re-incarcerated and under post-incarceration
judicial supervision. By jointly funding grant awards, SAMHSA expects BHTCC grantees to reach a
wider population of court-involved adults with behavioral health conditions who need treatment and
recovery support services.
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Appendix C: Lackawanna-Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Program Strategic Planning Template
Example Administrative Entity Quality Management Strategy_Office of Developmental Programs Academy Summer 2009 1
QM Plan Template
Administrative Entity Name: Focus Area: Example: System Performance/Level of Care
Goal Outcome Target Objective Performance Measures/Data Source(s)/
Frequency/Responsible Person What is a goal?
A goal is related to an organization’s purpose, mission, vision, or quality framework. Generally, a goal is written in broad, non-specific general terms. A goal is the “ideal” to be achieved. Example: Organizational performance is continuously measured, evaluated, and improved.
What is an outcome?
An outcome is a desired result, and can be person-centered, process or system-oriented. Example: The organization consistently uses the processes and instrument(s) specified in the Consolidated and P/FDS approved waivers for evaluating and reevaluating the levels of care of applicants and waiver participants.
What is a target objective?
A target objective states the level of performance an organization desires to achieve within a specified period of time. Example: For Consolidated and P/FDS Waiver participants, increase the number of level of care redeterminations completed within the expected timeframe of 365 days to 100% by December 31, 2010. Organizations consider baseline data and benchmarks when establishing target objectives.
What is a baseline?
A baseline is built by tracking an organization’s performance over time, generally at least one year, and provides an objective assessment of current level of performance.
What are performance measures?
Performance measures (also called performance indicators) are tools that “indicate” performance over time. Performance measures need to be operationally defined so data collection can be consistent across the system. Example: % of level of care redeterminations completed within the expected timeframe of 365 days Numerator: # of level of care redeterminations completed within the expected timeframe of 365 days Denominator: # of level of care redeterminations due in the period evaluated (e.g., month, quarter, year)
What is a data source?
A data source is stored data collected according to specific requirements that aim to ensure reliability and validity of the data. Data sources include logs, checklists, a person’s chart, formal databases, and surveys. Examples: HCSIS, HCSIS Data Warehouse, AE Oversight Monitoring Data, PROMISe™, IM4Q
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Example Administrative Entity Quality Management Strategy_Office of Developmental Programs Academy Summer 2009 2
QM Plan Template
Administrative Entity Name: Focus Area: Example: System Performance/Level of Care
Goal Outcome Target Objective Performance Measures/Data Source(s)/
Frequency/Responsible Person Example: By averaging 12 months of performance data, an AE may find that it completes only 86% of level of care redeterminations within the expected timeframe of 365 days. A baseline answers the question, “Where are we now”?
What is a benchmark?
A benchmark refers to the best or most desirable performance whether internal (e.g., best AE performance), or external (e.g., best performance of a similar organization, best performance expected by a regulatory body). Benchmarks are used to establish a level of performance the organization strives to achieve through quality management activities. A benchmark answers the question, “Where are we going”?
What is a sampling approach?
A sampling approach refers to the determination of the number of client records, incidents, cases, claims, etc. that will be reviewed within a specified time period. Examples: 100% review, 30 cases, 5% sample
Who is the responsible person?
The responsible person is the person ultimately responsible for managing or coordinating the activities that will lead to the achievement of the goal and desired outcome, including the periodic monitoring, analysis, and reporting of performance. A responsible person may be a manager, supervisor, committee chairperson, or team leaders. Example: Waiver Coordinator
What is meant by frequency?
Frequency refers to the cycle that will be used to report progress toward achieving goals and desired outcomes to a quality oversight group. A reporting calendar is often developed and shared within organizations to establish the frequency of reporting for leaders, managers, responsible parties, and staff. Examples: Monthly, quarterly, biannually, annually
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Example Administrative Entity Quality Management Strategy_Office of Developmental Programs Academy Summer 2009 1
Action Plan Template
Administrative Entity Name: Focus Area: System Performance/Level of Care
Desired Outcome: The organization consistently uses the processes and instrument(s) specified in the Consolidated and P/FDS approved
waivers for evaluating and reevaluating the levels of care of applicants and waiver participants.
Target Objective: For Consolidated and P/FDS Waiver participants, increase the number of level of care redeterminations completed within
the expected timeframe of 365 days to 100% by December 31, 2010.
Performance Measure(s): % of level of care redeterminations completed within the expected timeframe of 365 days
Numerator: # of level of care redeterminations completed within the expected timeframe of 365 days
Denominator: # of level of care redeterminations due in the period evaluated (e.g., month, quarter, year)
Data Source(s): HCSIS
Responsible Person: Waiver Coordinator
Action ItemResponsible
Person
Target
DateStatus
Completion
Date1. Retrain staff in expectations for record-keepingin participant files.
2. Retrain staff in expectations for data entry intorelated fields in HCSIS.
3. Collect data monthly to track number of level ofcare redeterminations completed of those
expected to be completed.
4. Report performance quarterly to quality
oversight group.
5.
6.
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Appendix D: Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force Five Year Strategic Plan 2012-2016
Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force
Five Year Strategic Plan
2012-2016
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Table of Contents
Background………………………………………………………………………………………3
Perceptions on Recidivism……………………………………………………………………….3
Lackawanna County Reentry Planning Process………………………………………………….5
Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force (LCRTF)……………………………………………..6
Mission…………………………………………………………………………………………...7
Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Goals……………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Strategies…………………………………………………………………………………………8
Summary of Strategic Action Areas……………………………………………………………...9
Research and Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………11
Funding…………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Action Steps……………………………………………………………………………………...11
Implementation…………………………………………………………………………………..12
Appendix 1……………………………………………………………………………………….13
Expected Process Flow……………………………………………………………………13
Critical Success Factors…………………………………………………………………...13
Appendix 2……………………………………………………………………………………….14
Theory of Change…………………. ………………………………………………….….14
Appendix 3……………………………………………………………………………………….15
Logic Model………………………………………………………………………………15
Appendix 4……………………………………………………………………………………….19
Reentry Resources………………………………………………………………………...19
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Background
In 2012, the Lackawanna County Prison embarked on a major examination of its inmate
population. This examination revealed that in 2007 and 2008, a total of 1,018 offenders serving
a county sentence were released from the prison. Within three years, a total of 545 or 54 percent
were re-incarcerated at the prison. Of the returnees, 457 or 83.9 percent were males and 88 or
16.1 percent were females.
The economic and social costs of this revolving door is staggering to Lackawanna County.
It costs approximately $53 per day or $19,345 annually to house an inmate at the prison.
This does not account for related administrative costs, the costs to crime victims, or the costs to
families and various social agencies. This growing burden on the community demands that
Lackawanna County review its current policies and practices in light of escalating costs, limited
resources, and emerging evidence-based strategies to reduce the rate of re-incarceration.
A sampling of 193 intake reports on offenders committed to the prison in March and April 2012
revealed that 77 percent reported a prior criminal history, 70 percent reported a history of
substance abuse, 42 percent reported a history of mental illness, 39 percent reported physical
health issues, and 250 minor children were impacted. Receptions in 2011 were 2,800. In 2013,
we are projecting 5,000. It is noteworthy that over the past 18 months, the prison’s county
inmate population has grown by 23.5 percent.
Offenders face numerous barriers and challenges upon release. Yet, the vast majority of
returning offenders are left to find and navigate services on their own. The local community’s
reentry framework is fragmented, with most entities operating in their traditional silos.
Without a continuum of planned services and supports, returning offenders struggle to secure
benefits, housing, jobs, counseling, case management, and other crucial resources.
Perceptions on Recidivism
Many challenges have been identified that may keep ex-offenders from successfully reentering
their communities and reconnecting with their families. A brief summary of challenges includes:
Education, Training, & Employment
o Low educational attainment/lack of high school diploma/GED
o Poor job readiness skills & attitudes
o Poor employment history
o Employers unwilling to hire individuals with a criminal record
o Transportation issues
o Lack of identification
o Lack of suitable clothing
Housing related
o Inability of returnees to be able to live with family
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o Lack of affordable housing for individuals with limited income
o Lack of transitional housing for individuals who are not ready to live alone or
have no alternative housing
o Limited availability of beds for homeless
o Lack of housing for handicapped or pregnant inmates
o Proximity of affordable housing to employment settings
Substance abuse related
o Individuals revert to illicit drug use or alcohol upon release from prison
o Many returnees are unable/unwilling to pass drug tests to stay in a program or to
remain employed
o Substance abuse is a contributing factor in the majority of crimes in Lackawanna
County
o Limited capacity of existing programs to address drug and alcohol abuse
o Due to large caseloads and funding shortages, individuals in need of treatment
may be put on a waiting list
Family related
o Families experience interpersonal problems as they adjust to the return of the
family member
o Family relationships must be rebuilt/trust issues
o Families may be unprepared to understand and comprehend what the returnee
needs
o Interpersonal problems may lead to domestic violence
o Children may be adversely affected in multiple ways from the absence of the
family member while in prison and the return of the individual to the family/role
confusion
o Families may contribute to criminogenic attitudes and behaviors; offenders do not
benefit from returning to these families
o Crime and incarceration may be perceived as a rite of passage for some families
Finance related
o Returnees without jobs have limited financial resources to meet food, housing, or
family needs, etc.
o Returnees have unmet child support or other court-ordered financial obligations,
which may can cause them to enter a cycle where they cannot get ahead
financially
o Single males and non-custodial male parents have limited access to public
assistance
Mental health related
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o Nearly 42% of incarcerated individuals reported experiencing mental health
problems prior to incarceration and were unable to access appropriate/necessary
services
o Returnees with mental health issues may need additional help dealing with the
inevitable frustrations of returning to the community caused by family challenges,
a lack of job opportunities, and financial difficulties
o Due to large caseloads an funding shortages, individuals in need of treatment may
be put on a waiting list
o Lack of medication upon discharge from LCP (typically only given 3 day supply)
Legal issues
o Offenders may have additional outstanding warrants, revoked or suspended
driver’s license, outstanding court-ordered obligations, etc.
Health care
o Many offenders released from prison have health care needs, yet have no or
insufficient insurance
o Offenders in need of medication are released with a limited supply of medication
General support related
o Ex-offenders have few relationships with pro-social community members and
more ties to other ex-offenders perpetuating criminogenic attitudes
o Individuals who have not had positive role models may be unaware of what
acceptable behaviors include
o Need for community mentors
Transportation
o Availability of transportation
o Availability of transportation to work sites, necessary appointments (times of
scheduled transportation)
o Affordable transportation
Lackawanna County Reentry Planning Process
Given the magnitude and wide-ranging needs of the reentry population, it is essential to
coordinate and concentrate community efforts. Although there are many services in Lackawanna
County that can benefit offenders, there is not a coordinated way to access services, nor an
effective way to inform offenders of the service options.
In June 2012, Lackawanna County applied for and was subsequently awarded a grant through the
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help develop a comprehensive and
collaborative strategic re-entry plan that addresses criminogenic risks and needs in order to
promote public safety and reduce the rate of recidivism.
On October 17, 2012, the initial meeting of the Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force
(LCRTF) was held. Melanie Snyder, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Reentry
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Management Organization and Scott Sheely, Executive Director of the Lancaster County
Workforce Investment Board, were retained as consultants to facilitate and oversee the reentry
planning process. Regular monthly meetings are held to obtain community-wide stakeholder
participation in learning about the state of reentry locally and to set strategic reentry planning
priorities for Lackawanna County.
As a result, Lackawanna County has become increasingly focused on the challenges of reentry
and has begun the process of building more effective and innovative responses to the challenges
presented by the release of offenders following a period of confinement.
The Lackawanna County Re-entry Task Force provides periodic updates of planning process
undertaken by the Task Force to the Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Advisory Board
(CJAB).
The LCRTF has:
Established a collaborative and diverse reentry planning task force consisting of
representatives from government, law enforcement, non-profit, and faith-based
organizations
Articulated a shared mission and vision for offender reentry
Developed a familiarity with evidence-based practice methods for reentry
Identified existing reentry practices, resources, and gaps in Lackawanna County
Established and prioritized goals and objectives to accomplish the mission
Defined a target population
Began development and implementation of a strategic plan
On April 17, 2013, LCRTF presented the Lackawanna County Reentry Symposium at the
University of Scranton. The focal point of the conference was difficulties inmates experience
transitioning back into society. The keynote speaker, Todd R. Clear, Ph.D., Dean of the School
of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University, addressed the importance of having strong programs
for inmates re-entering society such as drug and alcohol treatment, educational programs, job
readiness, etc.
Two former inmates candidly shared their struggles with reentry and answered questions from
the community regarding their experiences. In closing, a “reentry expo” allowed local agencies
to disseminate information about available programming and resources available to returning
offenders. Approximately 125 attendees included local government, police, prison, and
probation officials, representatives of faith-based and non-profit organizations, and students.
Lackawanna County Reentry Task Force (LCRTF)
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The membership of the LCRTF has evolved over the past 10 months. Members include:
Melanie Snyder, Executive Director of Lancaster County Reentry Management
Organization
Scott Sheely, Executive Director of Lancaster County Workforce Investment
Board
Robert McMillan, Warden of Lackawanna County Prison
Brian Jeffers, Director of Lackawanna County Community Corrections
Christina Oprishko, Administrative Officer at Lackawanna County Prison
Len Bogart, Administrative Officer at Lackawanna County Prison
Thomas Earley, Chief of Lackawanna County Adult Probation Office
Gerald Davis, Supervisor at Lackawanna County Adult Probation Office
Jane Augustine, Employment Opportunity & Training Center
Angela Seibert, Employment Opportunity & Training Center
Erica Hubert, Employment Opportunity & Training Center
Kevin McLaughlin, Executive Director of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
Bo Hoban, Deputy Director of The Advocacy Alliance
Jim Martin, Deputy Administrator of Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral
Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program
Steve Arnone, Administrator of Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health
Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program
Sr. Susan Hadzima, IHM, Director of Catherine McAuley Center
Mary Ann Iezzi, Executive Director of Dress for Success Lackawanna
Marie Onukiavage, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness
Jeffrey Zerechak, Administrator of Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug &
Alcohol Programs
Tony Kosydar, Deputy Administrator of Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of
Drug & Alcohol Programs
Collen Phillips, Lackawanna County Mental Health Court
Virginia Turano, Executive Director of Lackawanna County Workforce
Investment Board
Joe DiStasi, Program Supervisor at PA CareerLink of Lackawanna County
Phil Yevics, Voluteer with Catholic Ministry at Lackawanna County Prison
Jean Gayle, Director of the Horace Center/Fresh Start
Pam Oravec, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services
Jeff Gummoe, Employment Specialist at Goodwill Industires
Jonathon Wasp, Director of Pennsylvania Operations at Habit OPCO, Inc.
Kerry Browning, Supervisor at Lackawanna County Children & Youth
James Rutledge, Volunteer at Lackawanna County Prison
Anthony Pamelia, Volunteer at Lackawanna County Prison
Jennifer Kristyniak, Agent at PA Board of Probation & Parole
Dennis Russo, Scranton Counseling Center
Martin Fotta, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
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Jessica Carrion, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
Nicole Gosh, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
Maryclare Mecca, Women’s Resource Center
Erin Murray, Northeast Behavioral Care Consortium
Jim Cook, Community Care Behavioral Health
Mission
The mission of the Lackawanna County Reentry Program is to successfully integrate recently
incarcerated citizens back to the community. The program’s comprehensive and customized
approach to reintegration includes pre-release assessment, systematic identification of needs, and
linkages to services. A strong and diversified network of community and professional
partnerships establishes a framework to bolster public safety, break the cycle of recidivism, and
enhance lives, families, and society.
Vision
The vision of the Lackawanna County Reentry Program is that every citizen who returns from
incarceration actualizes a responsible, productive, and fulfilling life. Committed, competent, and
compassionate professionals, along with vested community stakeholders support returning
citizens within the full spectrum of the human condition. What remains are respected and
restored lives that exemplify character, benefit communities, and strengthen hope for the future.
Goals
The primary goal of the Lackawanna County Reentry Program are to reduce recidivism and
improve outcomes in Lackawanna County. For purposes of this program, recidivism is defined
as the return of any individual who received a county sentence of imprisonment, is released, and
is subsequently incarcerated within three years of release.
Strategies
In achieving its mission and vision, the Lackawanna County Reentry Program will use the
following strategies:
1. Ensure/develop collaboration, communication, and coordination among the Lackawanna
County Prison, Lackawanna County Adult Probation and Parole Office, and service
providers to offer seamless access to all needed services
2. Continue to identify/review gaps in the system on an ongoing basis and work with
community and faith-based organizations to fill them (community case management,
housing, drug and alcohol, mental health, mentoring, etc.)
3. Utilize grant funding to build the capacity of the community and faith-based
organizations
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4. Focus on evidence-based programs and services such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) – those that have been proven to be effective
5. Provide services targeted to the risk level of each participant
6. Address root causes of recidivism and provide root cause solutions
7. Increase public awareness of the value and benefits of an effective reentry system, e.g.
holding annual reentry summit, etc.
SUMMARY OF STRATEGIC ACTION AREAS
Focus Area Strategic Goals Strategic Objectives
Pre & Post
Release
Provide comprehensive,
integrated, holistic reentry
services for ex-offenders
returning to Lackawanna
County
1. Develop or identify comprehensive
assessment tool to determine offender risk
level and needs, and to facilitate
intervention recommendations
2. Generate list of inmates eligible for release
at least
3. six weeks prior to their projected release
4. Create and implement discharge plan, and
make appropriate referrals for services
5. Strengthen prison programming and staff
investment, and conduct standard pre-
release activities
6. Establish and maintain a comprehensive
resource guide or other mechanism for
educating inmates and staff on available
community programs and services; Efforts
will be made to secure agency videos on
services provided as well as other web
based tools to educate inmates and staff on
available services and supports
7. Establish memorandums of understanding
with service providers
8. Integrate cognitive behavior therapy
throughout programming
9. Actively promote the value and benefits of
the reentry program
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Focus Area Strategic Goals Strategic Objectives
Children &
Families
Support family stability
during the absence of the
offender
Support family
reunification with
biological or chosen family
(where appropriate)
1. Identify services and supports available
for families during family member
incarceration
2. Provide supportive family programs such
as Family Reentry, Parenting, Visitation
and Parenting support group
Health Care
Increase access to needed
medical services
1. Assist with access to medical assistance,
Medicaid and/or SSI (if eligible)
2. Coordinate referrals for service, interim
medications, and medical records prior to
release
3. Initiate COMPASS application within two
weeks prior to release from LCP
Housing
Provide emergency, short
term, and long term
housing options for
offenders
1. Connect program participants with
emergency housing options, as needed
2. Develop and maintain list of landlords
willing to provide housing options to
offenders
3. Develop new housing with supportive
services appropriate for single or family
situation post-release
4. Develop and coordinate plans for Group
Home housing options with an
experienced service provider
5. Actively pursue avenues for funding
Mental Health
and Substance
Abuse
Address mental health and
substance abuse needs of
offenders in a timely
manner
1. Encourage agencies to develop and
implement programs and protocols
addressing the specific needs of offenders
who need mental health services and/or
substance abuse treatment
2. Coordinate required supports: referrals for
service, interim medications, and medical
record prior to release date
3. Work closely with mental health staff
assigned to the prison to ensure
availability of medication upon release
and/or follow-up appointment scheduled
prior to release
4. Actively pursue avenues for funding and
expansion of programs
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Focus Area Strategic Goals Strategic Objectives
Education
Provide educational
opportunities targeted to
the individual’s strengths
and needs that will lead to
increased employment
opportunities
1. Provide three tiers of educational
programs: basic literacy and math skills,
GED attainment, and post-secondary
options all leading to improved
employment opportunities
2. Provide comprehensive soft skills and life
skills programs, incorporating cognitive
behavior therapy for all ex-offenders in the
reentry program
3. Actively pursue avenues for funding and
expansion of programs
Employment
Provide comprehensive
employment services and
options that will increase
the probability that
offenders will secure and
retain long term
employment
1. Implement a job readiness program to
help participants overcome barriers while
building work-related skills that ultimately
lead to apprenticeships and/or
unsubsidized employment
2. Establish relationship with PA
CareerLink, and hold job fairs, mock job
interviews, etc.
3. Educate area employers on incentives
related to the hiring of offenders, i.e.
Federal Bonding Program
4. Connect individuals with special needs
(such as individuals with disabilities,
veterans) to organizations providing
specialized services
5. Actively pursue avenues of funding and
expansion of programs available
Legal Issues
Establish and implement a
means to identify and
address outstanding legal
issues that are barriers to
successful reentry
1. Develop a legal needs assessment to
identify outstanding legal issues
2. Develop network of resources such as pro
bono lawyers and law students qualified
and willing to offer guidance
3. Assist in accessing needed legal
documents such as driver’s license, birth
certificate, social security card, photo id,
etc.
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Focus Area Strategic Goals Strategic Objectives
Mentoring and
Long Term
Support
Develop and implement a
multi-layered mentoring
program that will support
returning offenders
1. Define and develop the mentoring
program options and components
2. Define characteristics of positive mentors
and recruit individuals with these
characteristics
3. Develop and implement a training
program for all mentors, incorporating
cognitive behavior therapy concepts
4. Match mentors with demographics similar
to offenders while incarcerated
5. Support the ongoing mentor/mentee
relationship
Transportation
Connect offenders with
affordable transportation
options
1. Identify transportation options available for
program participants
2. Obtain discount bus passes, obtain public
transportation vouchers, offer bicycles
Research and Evaluation
A strong system of data collection, program evaluation, and research is necessary to ensure
effective use of limited resources and services are truly promoting successful reentry. Research
that identifies evidence-based and promising practices should guide the selection of program
models. Implementation of these models should maintain fidelity to the design. The expected
outcomes from programming would be defined and a system of data collection that allows for
evaluation and reporting would assist in modifications that improve outcomes. Efforts will be
made to identify responsibilities for the collection of data, to include, but not limited to: who will
be responsible for data collection, what specific data will be collected, when data will be
collected, and who data will be disseminated to.
Funding
The strategical priorities identified in the planning process to action requires efficient use of
existing resources and a more organized and coordinated approach in obtaining new funding.
Competition for limited resources both within and beyond the issue of reentry is a reality. A
system that has the capability of identifying funding opportunities that support priorities and best
practices, addressing concerns related to resource distribution, and making the process
transparent to stakeholders will maximize fundraising opportunities.
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Action Steps
Stakeholders participating in the planning process successfully identified strategic priorities; now
an effective and efficient implementation process must be established. The key ingredients to
successful implementation are:
Maintain focus on the strategic priorities identified
Develop detailed implementation plans for each strategic priority, identifying what needs
to be done, who needs to be involved, and timing for completion
Develop a structured reporting system that communicates progress and barriers to
successful implementation
It was necessary to conduct a planning process to establish strategic priorities since fiscal
resources are limited. To a large degree, there is a logical progression or evolution of what needs
to be done to improve the reentry system of services; and the commitment and contributions of a
large number of stakeholders will be required to institute desired improvements. It is important
to maintain a focus on these priorities in order to maximize the progress that is possible. This is
not to say that there will not be emergent issues and opportunities that must be addressed,
however there must be thoughtful consideration and justification for diverging from the
established strategic priorities.
Implementation
The ten strategic priorities present a challenging agenda to accomplish. In order to be successful,
an organized and efficient approach must be utilized. In each strategic priority, work has begun
to address each specific area; additional delineation of tasks and responsibilities is required. In
addition, it may be necessary to further focus efforts due to resource limitations and identify the
strategic priorities that are most important to accomplish.
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Appendix 1
Expected Process Flow
The Lackawanna County Reentry Program will:
1. Complete CJ Comprehensive Intake (TCU CJ CI) assessment at time of incarceration to
identify criminogenic risk and needs
2. Prepare for reentry (at least six weeks prior to release) by engaging offender in pre-release
planning and programming prior to release
3. Identify barriers to release including housing, employment, medication, transportation, and
treatment needs, etc.
4. Review reentry plan, make appropriate referrals, and engage family in release planning
5. Maintain supportive relationship after/post release
6. Perform case management after release to ensure individual is completing activities in the
plan
7. Manage relationship with community service providers, perform quality control/assessment
of services and service providers to ensure they are delivering what has been promised/
contracted and that they are having an impact
8. Develop a comprehensive data collection process that measures program outcome
performance
Critical Success Factors
• Individual signs contract committing to participate in reentry programming.
• Define and hold individuals accountable to set/pre-defined standards
• Determine guidelines for when it is necessary to remove an individual from
programming for non-compliance; preserving resources for those who are ready for
change
• Hold individual accountable; provide assistance as needed. He/she must take
responsibility for self
• Help individual define goals and move toward self-sufficiency
• Focus on pro-social behaviors and attitudes and ensure participation in cognitive behavior
therapy (CBT) skill building
• Assist ex-offender in developing pro-social relationships; determine who ex-offender is
engaging at every step of reentry
• Engage family members to the degree they want to be involved; ensure family involvement
will benefit the ex-offender
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• All individuals who come in contact with the ex-offender as a volunteer or contracted service
provider will be familiar with CBT and will share a common approach to supporting the ex-
offender
• Hold providers accountable for delivering contracted services
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Appendix 2 - Theory of Change – Lackawanna County Reentry Planning Task Force
Strategies * Expand Reentry task force, improve inter-agency communication * Develop comprehensive, community-wide reentry plan * Create reentry plans for LCP inmates prior to release with resource info/referrals to community resources * Engage private sector/ volunteers for financial/human resources * Educate inmates, prison and agency staffs * Establish comprehensive pre-release employment readiness program * Provide ID to inmates pre-release
Assumptions * Assumes awareness of needs and how to address them * People can take responsibility & change if they want to * Positive personal connections are necessary to support change * Community resources will be available, will cooperate, and will communicate
Influential Factors BARRIERS: * Cost/fluctuating resources * Policies that limit housing and other services for returning citizens communication between stakeholder groups SUPPORTS: * Buy-in from commissioners and judges * Availability of community resources * Commitment of and rapport between stakeholder groups & agencies
Problem or Issue * Referrals from LCP to D&A / MH treatment * Lack of transitional & affordable housing * Insufficient job training and employment * Insufficient transportation * Children and families, education, health care, legal issues, mentoring * Data collection
Community Assets/Needs * Lackawanna County has started forming a collaborative, community-wide Reentry Task Force to address reentry issues * Data exists to demonstrate program need * Many agencies have programs & services to offer but are “best kept secrets”; some agencies limited in who they can serve * Lackawanna County lacks a comprehensive, coordinated, collaborative process for reentry
Desired Results
* 80% completion of pre-release programming * 30% placement into transitional housing * 50% employment of returning citizens beyond 2 months post release * 75% completion of substance abuse treatment upon release * 75% participation in mental health services beyond 3 months post release * 25% decrease in recidivism
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
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Appendix 3: Logic Model
Target Population: County Sentenced Inmates identified as moderate to high risk offenders, being released from Lackawanna
County Prison back to Lackawanna County
Goal: Provide comprehensive, integrated, holistic reentry services for returning citizens residing in Lackawanna County
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Develop or identify
comprehensive assessment
tool to determine offender risk
level and needs, and to
facilitate intervention
recommendations
2. Generate list of inmates
eligible for release at least six
weeks prior to their projected
release
3. Create and implement
discharge plan, and make
appropriate referrals for
services
4. Increase/improve
communication with probation
& parole and community
service providers to ensure
smoother transition for
offender from pre to post
release
* Completion of TCU assessment
within 2 weeks of admission to
determine eligibility for reentry
program and determine individual
needs of offender
* Enrollment of inmates into
reentry program
* Begin implementation of reentry
plans, including access to
COMPASS, begin to familiarize
offender and family with available
community resources
* Participation in reentry
programming, including
educational classes in employment
preparation, family reunification,
building relationships, budgeting,
substance abuse, etc.
* Identify community service
providers for post release services
*Establish formal relationships
with community providers
* Schedule services for offenders
upon release based on identified
needs
* Number of offenders assessed
* Number of offenders
identified as medium-high risk
* Number of offenders entering
the reentry program
* Number of offenders that
receive programming
* Number of post release
service providers identified
* Number of offenders released
receiving post release services,
based on reentry plan or other
identified needs
* 80% complete assessment
and pre-release planning
* 90% of those identified as
moderate to high risk, accept
admittance to reentry program
* 80% of offenders
successfully complete pre-
release programming
* 100% offenders enrolled,
successfully complete
COMPASS application (when
applicable)
* 90% of offenders that
participate in the transition
component will be prepared to
reenter the work force, i.e.
completed resume, knowledge
of where to obtain
employment, knowledge of
community resources, etc.
* Less than 10% of offenders
participating in reentry
services will return to
jail/prison on violation or new
charge
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Goal: Support family stability during the absence of the offender; support family reunification with biological or chosen
family (where applicable)
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Identify services and supports
available for families during
family member incarceration
2. Provide supportive family
programs such as Family
Reentry, Parenting, Visitation
and Parenting support group
*Establish relationships with
community service agencies to
provide supports available to
families
*Enroll families interested in
programming/support
*Participation in weekly family
support programs
*Number of families enrolled in
community supports
*Number of families complete
participation in family support
programs
*30% increase in family
member support and
reunification
Goal: Increase access to needed medical services
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Initiate COMPASS
application within two weeks
prior to release from LCP
2. Assist with access to medical
assistance, Medicaid and/or
SSI (if eligible)
3. Coordinate referrals for
service, interim medications,
and medical records prior to
release
*Engage/complete application
process for COMPASS, learning
about and understanding benefits
of program
*Creation of a detailed plan for
release including all necessary
follow-up medical appointments
*Number of completed
COMPASS applications
* Number of referrals/
appointments
*50% increase in COMPASS
applications accepted
*50% increase in returning
citizens following-up with
scheduled medical
appointments
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Goal: Provide emergency, short term, and long term housing options for offenders
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Connect program participants
with emergency housing
options, as needed
2. Develop and maintain list of
landlords willing to provide
housing options to offenders
*Participation in groups focusing
on housing options and resources
available in the community
*Number of offenders
completing group
*30% increased placement of
returning citizens into local
community housing options
Goal: Address mental health and substance abuse needs of offender in a timely manner
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Provide education/counseling
for those suffering with
substance abuse problems
2. Availability of mental health
services on a weekly basis
3. Work closely with mental
health staff assigned to the
prison to ensure availability of
medication upon release and/or
follow-up appointment
scheduled prior to release
*Participation in weekly groups
focusing on substance abuse issues
(when applicable)
*Participation in weekly mental
health services (when applicable)
*Creation of a detailed plan for
release including all necessary
follow-up medical appointments
*Number of offenders
completing weekly groups
focusing on substance abuse
issues
*Number of offenders
participating in mental health
services
*Number of reentry plans
including all necessary follow-
up medical appointments
*80% increase in offender
knowledge of substance abuse,
addictions and community
resources available within the
local community
*75% participation in weekly
mental health services
*75% completion of substance
abuse treatment/programming
upon release
*75% participation in mental
health services beyond three
months post release
*50% increase in returning
citizens following-up with
scheduled appointments
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Goal: Provide educational opportunities targeted to the individual’s strengths and needs that will lead to increased
employment
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Provide three tiers of
educational programs: basic
literacy and math skills, GED
attainment, and post-secondary
options all leading to improved
employment opportunities
2. Provide comprehensive soft
skills and life skills programs,
incorporating cognitive
behavior therapy for all ex-
offenders in the reentry
program
*Participation in GED educational
classes or other educational classes
offered
*Participation in soft skills
programming with the overall goal
of learning necessary skills to
increase employment opportunities
upon release
*Participation in life skills
programming directed at
improving transitional outcomes
*Number of offenders
completing GED programming
or other educational classes
*Number of offenders
completing soft skill
programming
*Number of offenders
completing life skills
programming
*50% of offenders prepared to
test, pass the GED exam
*75% of offenders will
complete soft skills
programming and be prepared
to enter the workforce
*75% of offenders will
complete life skills
programming
Goal: Provide comprehensive employment services and options that will secure and retain long term employment
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Implement a job readiness
program to help participants
overcome barriers while
building work-related skills
that ultimately lead to
apprenticeships and/or
unsubsidized employment
2. Establish relationship with PA
CareerLink, and hold job fairs,
mock job interviews, etc
*Weekly participation in job
readiness, learning to overcome
obstacles and barriers preventing
employment
*Participation in job fairs and
mock interviews
*Number of offenders
completing job readiness
programming
*Number of offenders
completing mock interviews
*Number of offenders
participating in job fairs
*50% of returning citizens will
maintain employment beyond
two months post release
*80% increase in offender
knowledge related to
employment and the workplace
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Goal: Establish and implement a means to identify and address outstanding legal issues that are barriers to successful reentry
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Develop a legal needs
assessment to identify
outstanding legal issues
2. Develop network of resources
such as pro bono lawyers and
law students qualified and
willing to offer guidance
Assist in accessing needed
legal documents such as
driver’s license, birth
certificate, social security
card, photo id, etc.
*Completion of legal assessment
of needs
*Participation in monthly meeting
hosted by professionals to discuss
available low cost legal
options/support; overview of
community supports available
*Completion of necessary legal
documents needed for
identification upon release
*Number of completed legal
assessments
*Number of offenders
completing monthly legal
meetings
*Number of inmates completing
applications for identification
*30% increase in legal
assistance provided to
returning citizens upon release
*50% increase in returning
citizens knowledge of legal
services available in the local
community
*50% increase in legal
documents obtained prior to
release
Goal: Develop and implement a multi-layered mentoring program that will support returning offenders
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Define and develop the
mentoring program options
and components
2. Match mentors with
demographics similar to
offenders while incarcerated
3. Support the ongoing
mentor/mentee relationship
*Participation in mentoring
services with the overall goal of
increasing attitudes and behaviors
prior to return to the community
*Number of offenders
participating in mentoring
program
*Number of offenders matched
with mentor
*50% returning citizens
maintain relationship/support
with mentors beyond two
months post release
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Goal: Connect offenders with affordable transportation options
Objectives Activities Outputs/Process Measures Outcome Measures
1. Identify transportation options
available for program
participants
2. Obtain discount bus passes,
obtain transportation
vouchers, offer bicycles
*Participation in monthly group
focusing on education and
information related to public
transportation in the local
community; includes knowledge
of where to obtain and how to read
bus schedules, obtain reduced bus
passes/vouchers, etc.
*Number of offenders
completing group
*80% increase in knowledge
of public transportation
*30% obtain vouchers/passes
for reduced bus fares
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Appendix 4
Resources Available for Reentry
AA-Alcoholics Anonymous
48 South Main Street
Pittston, PA 18640
570.654.0488
Services: 12 Step Meetings for Recovering Alcoholics
and those seeking Recovery (Call for meetings in local area)
AA Alcohol Abuse & Addictions Hotline
1.800.640.7545
Services: Referral and Support for Individuals Suffering with Addiction
Al-Anon/Al-A Teen
Pittston, PA 18640
570.603.0541
Services: Support Meetings for Family and/or Friends of Alcoholics
A Better Today
1339 North Main Avenue
Scranton, PA 18508
570.344.1444
Services: Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Counseling
Advocacy Alliance- A Mental Health Association
846 Jefferson Avenue
Scranton, PA 18501
1.877.315.6855
570.342.7762
Services: Offers a safe, supportive environment for persons in the community with mental illness
or emotional problems. Services include Community Health Services, Child and Family Mental
Health Advocacy, Recovery Center and Progress House, WARM LINE, Consumer/Family
Satisfaction Teams, Community MR Services, Consumer Financial Services for Individuals with
MH/MR issues
Bread Basket of NEPA
Covenant Presbyterian Church
550 Madison Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
570.343.2324
Services: Food Pantries
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Catherine McCauley Center
430 Pittston Avenue (Administration Office)
Scranton, PA 18510
570.342.1342
Services: Women only Emergency, Transitional, and Permanent Housing
Catholic Social Services
516 Fig Street
Scranton, PA 18505
570.207.2283
Services: Counseling-Marriage/Relationship, Child-Parent, Individual, Pregnancy, Budgeting.
Anger Management Groups, Financial Assistance, Hispanic Outreach, Housing for Homeless/
Mentally Ill, Housing Counseling Program, and Adoption
Clear Brook, Inc.
1003 Wyoming Avenue
Forty Fort, PA 18704
570.823.1171
1.800.582.6241
Services: Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Services, Relapse Prevention Program (14 days), Medically
Supervised Detox, Weekend Inpatient Program
COLTS (Lackawanna Transit System)
800 North South Road
Scranton, PA 18504
570.346.2061
570.876.1256
Services: Public Transportation, Discount Bus Passes, Handicap Accessible
Community Intervention Center
445 North 6th
Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.342.4298
Services: Drug & Alcohol Information, Assessment & Referral, Mental Health Assessment,
Social Rehabilitation Programs, Employment Placement and Crisis Intervention, Day Shelter for
Homeless, Daily Snacks
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of NEPA
401 Laurel Street
Pittston, PA 18640
570.602.2227
1.800.922.9537
Services: Affordable Housing Program (For 1st time Homebuyers), Budget Counseling, Credit
Report Review, Debt Management Program, Emergency Mortgage Assistance (Must be referred
by lender through Act 91 Notice), HUD Counseling
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
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DATS-Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
441 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.961.1997
Services: Intensive Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Services, Evaluation/Diagnostic Services,
Individual, Family, Group Therapy
Dress for Success Lackawanna
431 North 7th
Avenue, Suite B
Scranton, PA 18503
570.941.0339
Services: Women Only; By Appointment Only. Helps Provide Low-Income Women with
Clothing Appropriate for Employment and Job Interviewing
Educational Opportunity Centers
431 North 7th
Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.496.0296
Services: Educational Information & Assistance, Career Interest Testing, Educational
Counseling, Financial Aid, Information/Assistance, Referral to Education/Vocational Programs
EOTC-Employment Opportunity & Training Center
431 North 7th
Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.348.6484 (Workforce Development)
570.348.6493 (Family Center)
Services: Women in Transitions Groups (For Formerly Incarcerated Women), Career Guidance,
Job Search Support, Job Search Group-Every Tues. 10 am-noon, Fatherhood Program, LCP
Team, Life Skills Support, Parents as Teachers, Parenting Classes, Individual Parent
Consultation, Supervised Visitations, Home Visitations for Parents with Young Children, Youth
Mentoring, Toddler Play Group, Early Head Start Programs, Incredible Years.
FIRST-Free Information & Referral System
Telephone
570.961.1234
Services: Information & Referral Services to Community Resources that will Best Fit your Needs
(7 days a week/24 hours a day)
Friends of the Poor
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
570.348.4429 (has voicemail)
570.348.4428
Services: Food, Clothing, and Furniture for Emergency Needs, Fragile Family Program for
Low-Income Families with Children
Lackawanna County, PA Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence Report, May 2014
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Goodwill Industries of NEPA, Inc.
925 Prospect Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
570.343.1166
Services: Community Employment & Placement Services (For Mentally & Physically
Challenged), Residential Home Placement (For those Unable to Live on their Own)
Hanna’s Hope Pregnancy Shelter
PO Box 132
Luzerne, PA 18709
570.763.9593
Services: Provides a clean, safe environment for expectant mothers in homeless or crisis
situations; prepares for birthing process, helps facilitate medical and other necessary
appointments, and mentors new mothers in the care of their newborn; individualized
programming; receive help in life skills
Jewish Family Services of Lackawanna County
615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 204
Scranton, PA 18510
570.344.1186
Services: Counseling-Individual, Couples, and Family, Dental Clinic
Job Corps
28 Academy Street, Suite 4
Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18701
570.824.6630
1.800.354.9758
Services: Training program for people ages 16-24, Free GED Prep, Vocational Training,
Dormitory Housing, Meals Paid, Medical & Dental Care
Lackawanna College
501 Vine Street
Scranton, PA 18509
Scranton: 570.961.7882
Hazelton: 570.459.1573
Lake Region: 570.226.4625
Services: GED Testing
Lackawanna County AIDS Council
637 Clifton Beach Road
Clifton Twp, PA 18424
570.842.2448
Services: Advocacy, services, education, support, and resources involving HIV/AIDS
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Lackawanna County Assistance Office
Scranton State Office Building
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.4525
Fax: 570.963.4843
Services: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical
Assistance, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, Disability Advocacy Program,
Employment & Training Program for Low-Income Individuals, Behavioral and Mental Health
Assistance, Alcohol & Drug Addiction Assistance
Lackawanna County Child Care Information Services-Title XX
345 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6644
Services: Assist families who need help paying their child care costs, provide information about
available child care providers. Eligibility for this program and assessed co-payment are based
on family’s residence, family size and income, and work/education status
Lackawanna County Children and Youth Services
200 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6781
Services: Provides Services to Families who are Experiencing Crisis. Provide Information,
Referral, Protective Services, Prenatal Care, Adoption and Foster Care, Emergency Placement,
Child Care Information Services
Lackawanna County Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil & Criminal Division
Brooks Building
436 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6723
Services: Access Legal Information Related to Court of Common Pleas-Includes Litigation and
Inquiries under Civil Action, Judgment, Liens, and Similar Transactions
Lackawanna County Commission on Drug & Alcohol Abuse
135 Jefferson Avenue, Second Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6820
Services: Planning, Intervention, and Treatment Services for Residents of Lackawanna County
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Lackawanna County Habitat for Humanity
550 Madison Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
570.342.7911
Services: Home ownership for low-income families through community volunteer efforts.
Support services available for owners.
Lackawanna County Medical Assistance Transportation
800 North South Road
Scranton, PA 18504
570.963.6482
Services: Provides reimbursable service of transportation to any medical assistance user to a
physician’s office, hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or provider of treatment (Does not include
ambulance transportation to sheltered workshops or day care programs)
Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs
224 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6778
Services: Helps to Obtain Benefits for Veterans and their Families
Lackawanna Housing Authority
2019 West Pine Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
570.342.7629
Services: Public Housing, Section 8 Housing, Rental Assistance (Approved Participants-Must
Apply)
Lackawanna County Pro Bono, Inc.
Bank Towers, 5th
Floor
321 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA 18503
570.961.2714
Services: Intended for Low-Income Individuals with Pressing Legal Problems. Handles:
Unemployment Compensation, Protection from Abuse, Debtor/Credit Problems,
Landlord/Tenant, Separation Advice, Child & Spousal Support, Custody & Visitation,
Termination of SSI Benefits, and other Serious Civil Legal Problems. Does not handle Criminal
Matters
Marworth
Lily Lake Road, PO Box 36
Waverly, PA 18471
570.563.1112
1.800.442.7722
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Services: Chemical Dependency Treatment Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient
Program, Partial Hospital Program, Rehabilitation Programs, and Crisis
Marywood University
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
570.348.6273
570.348.6231
Services: GED Prep and Testing
Maternal Family & Health Services, Inc.
431 North 7th
Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.961.5550
Services: Women’s Reproductive Health & Nutrition Care, WIC Nutrition Program, Family
Planning Program, Nurse-Family Partnerships, Healthy Women Cancer Screening Program,
Healthy Beginnings Plus
NAMI-PA Scranton Area Chapter
846 Jefferson Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
570.342.1047
Services: Advocacy & Education Programs for Individuals & Families Affected by Mental
Illness Support Groups (Call 570.346.2346)
Neighborhood Housing of Scranton
709 East Market Street
Scranton, PA 18509
570.558.2490
Services: Financial, Educational, & Technical Assistance to 1st Time Homebuyers in
Lackawanna County, Mortgage Funding Available, Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, Home
Ownership Workshops
NHS Human Services (Formerly Tri-County Human Services Center)
185 Fallbrook Street
Carbondale, PA 18407
570.282.1732
Services: Comprehensive Provider of Mental Health Services, Outpatient Services, Emergency
Services, Psychiatric/Psychological Services, Family Therapy, Intensive Case Management,
Partial Hospitalization, MR Day Programs, Early Intervention, Autism School
OVR-Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
300 Gaird Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
570.826.2011
1.800.634.2060
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**Local Office Located in PA Career Link**
Services: Diagnostic, Vocational, Evaluation, Physical, Restoration, Training, Counseling &
Guidance, Job Placement. MUST Have Appointment for Services.
PA CareerLink Lackawanna County
135 Franklin Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.3110
570.963.4671 OR 570.963.4384
Services: Job Referral, Counseling, Job Guidance, Business Services, Veteran, Youth, and
Senior Employment Services, Training Programs, Training Providers, OVR Counseling
PennDot Photo Exam Center
81 Keystone Industrial Park
Dunmore, PA 18512
1.800.932.4600
Services: Obtain Driver’s License/Photo ID
Planned Parenthood
316 Penn Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.344.2626
1.800.230.PLAN
Services: Medical services such as gynecological exams, pap tests, breast exams, pregnancy
tests, STD clinic, contraceptive supplies, HIV testing, counseling & referral services for prenatal
care
Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency SLHDA
200 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.6836
Services: Job Training, Assistance and Employment, Financial Aid for Crisis
Safety Net 550 Madison Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
570.347.4730
Services: Supplemental Food, Rent, Prescriptions, Infant Formula, Eyeglasses, Furniture,
Transportation, & Other Emergency Assistance
**Closed Wednesday 12-4pm**
Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
610 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
570.346.0007
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Services: Residential Facility for MEN, Individual & Group Counseling, Spiritual Meetings,
Work Therapy, and Various 12-Step Programming
Salvation Army Corps Community Center
500 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
570.344.9878
570.969.6399
Services: Food, Financial Aid for Gas & Electric, Oil, Coal, and Wood, Worship Service
SCOLA Volunteers for Literacy
2013 Boulevard Avenue, Suite 1
Scranton, PA 18509
570.346.6203
Services: Free Tutoring for Adults Wanting to Learn to Read & Write or Improve their Reading
& Writing Skills, ESL Services, Math & Life Skills Tutoring
Scranton Counseling Center
326 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.348.6100
Services: Adult & Child/Adolescent Diagnostic & Treatment Services with Mental Health Issues,
Family/Marital, Work Issues, Psychological Testing, Psychiatric Evaluation, Long Term
Services, Comprehensive Mental Health Programs, Critical Incident Stress Management,
Emergency/Crisis Intervention, Employee Assistance Program, Family Home-Based, Partial
Hospitalization Program, Early Intervention
Scranton Division of Vital Records
Room 112 Scranton State Office Building
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570.963.4595
Services: Birth Certificate Replacement. Open Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30pm
Scranton Housing Authority
400 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
570.348.4400
Services: Public Housing & Section 8 Programs. Must apply for Eligibility
Scranton Primary Health Care Center
959 Wyoming Avenue
PO Box 31
Scranton, PA 18501
570.344.9684
570.969.9662
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Services: Medical Services, Dental Services. Accepts Access Card (Medicaid). Will help those
who cannot afford Medical Services (case-by-case basis). Sliding Fee Scale also Available
Social Security Administration
409 Lackawanna Avenue, 1st Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
570.342.8062 or 1.800.772.1213
Services: Information & Claim Processing for all Programs Administered by Social Security:
Retirement Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Supplemental Security Income Benefits, Medicare, Black
Lung Payments, Disability Payments, Social Security Account Numbers
St Francis of Assisi Kitchen
500 Penn Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
570.342.5557 (choose option 4)
Services: Free Hot Meals Daily between 11:00am-12:00 noon. Evening Meals-Tuesday,
Wednesday, & Thursday 5:00pm-6:00pm. Free Clothing Monday 11:00am-12:00 noon
St Joseph’s Center Maternity & Family Services
2010 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
570.342.8379
1.800.786.6346
Services: Housing for Pregnant Women, Mother-Infant Program (For Single, Homeless Women
with Babies), Adoption Program, Early Intervention Program, Baby Pantry-Free Baby Clothes
(up to size 6), Diapers, Baby Formula/Food, Baby Furnishings
*Baby Pantry is located at:
320 South Blakely Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone: 570.558.5050
Additional Services: Adult Developmental Training Program; Community Living Arrangements
Program (for individuals with medical needs and severe/profound disabilities); Family Aid
Program; ICF/MR Program; Respite Care; Supported Independent Living (Persons with MR
who have chosen to live on their own)
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, NEPA Affiliate
300 Mulberry Street
Scranton, PA 18503
570.969.6072
1.877.626.6648 (Mammogram Hotline)
Services: Free education and screening to uninsured women who meet eligibility requirements
The Leahy Community Health & Family Center
240 Kressler Court Entrance
Basement of McGurrin Hall
Scranton, PA 18510
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570.941.6112
570.941.6165
Services: Free clinic offering health care service to uninsured residents of Lackawanna County
United Neighborhood Centers Administration Office
425 Alder Street
Scranton, PA 18505
570.346.0759
570.343.8835
Services: Angel’s Attic (Free Clothing & Household Items), Daily Bread Program (Donated
Bread & Baked Goods-Distributed at Community Service Center on Olive Street), Child Care-
Before/After School Programs for Toddlers to School Age, Condemnation Program-Emergency
Short Term Housing for Scranton Residents, Emergency Food Assistance Program, Emergency
Services, Fair Housing Education & Outreach Program, One-Stop for Housing Services,
Transitional Housing & Support (Homeless Families), Violence Intervention Center-Referral
Based Program Anger Management, HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
UPS Store (For Fingerprinting Services)
201 South Blakely Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
Must Register BEFORE You Arrive: 1.888.439.2486
Services: Fingerprints Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:00pm. Walk-In (Just call number above to
register before arrival)
Voluntary Action Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania
538 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA 18503
570.347.5616
Services: Recruitment and Referral of individuals for volunteer opportunities; FIRST (Free
Information & Referral System Telephone-570.961.1234-24 hour Helpline which provides
information to callers and referral services that will best accommodate the needs of the caller
Women’s Resource Center
PO Box 975
Scranton, PA 18501
570.346.4671
570.346.4460
Services: Women Services-Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Center, Prevention &
Education Programs, Rape Crisis Counseling, Battered Women’s Shelter