Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant Housing Strategies Ellen Piekalkiewicz Department of Children and Families Florida Supportive Housing Coalition July 12, 2011

Introduction The Reinvestment Grant Program has laid the foundation for shifting the focus of care of offenders with mental health and/or co- occurring substance abuse disorders from the most expensive, deep end of the system to early intervention and diversion. County Grantees have recognized the importance of housing for individuals served under the grants.

Re-entry and Recidivism 40,000 individuals each year are released from Florida prisons 560,000 individuals are released from Florida’s jails Many of these individuals have substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses According to state and national statistics the recidivism rate for all offenders is about 67 percent after 3 years.

Housing Research has shown that ex-offenders who do not find stable housing in the community are more likely to recidivate that those who do have housing. Supportive housing is a proven method that can help reduce the high rates of recidivism experienced by people with histories of homelessness, incarceration, mental illness, and other health conditions. There is a significant need for a flexible funding source that can easily be used to support jail and prison in-reach programs that are also linked to immediate behavioral health services and housing opportunities upon re-entry. Individuals returning to their communities from prison or jail often face significant barriers in obtaining housing.

Housing and Urban Development Public Housing Authorities have discretion when considering individuals leaving the criminal justice system and are encouraged by HUD to allow ex-offenders to rejoin their families.

HUD continued PHAs must establish lifetime bans on admission to Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for: 1. Individuals found to have manufactured or produce methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing; and 2. Sex offenses subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program.

HUD Continued PHAs may establish standards that prohibit admission if there is a previous eviction for past illegal drug use. However, PHAs retain discretion to consider the circumstances and may admit an individual if the PHA determines that the evicted household member has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program, including those supervised by drug courts.

HUD Continued “As President Obama recently made clear, this is an Administration that believes in the importance of second chances – that people who have paid the debt to society deserve the opportunity to become productive citizens and caring parents, to set the past aside and embrace the future. Part of that support means helping ex-offenders gain access to one of the most fundamental building blocks of stable life – a place to live.” HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan in a June 17, 2011 letter to Public Housing Authorities

Public Defender Program in Pinellas and Pasco Counties Public Defender Bob Dillinger has a program in place to link individuals to services and housing to reduce recidivism In his program, 87 percent of the individuals are not returning to the criminal justice system and are not entering Crisis Stabilization Units. Housing is a critical piece. The PD’s program pays $800 per month for supervised residential placements. The PD’s office also pays first month’s deposit and security deposits for individuals who want to rent their own apartments; and who can afford it through employment or benefits or a combination there of. Additionally, Pinellas County has purchased 10 single person transition unsupervised apartments. Individuals will be able to graduate to this type apartment from the supervised residential housing.

Orange County The Central Receiving Center serves as the hub for the mental health system of care for adults in Orange County Consumers placed in most appropriate community resource within 24 hours Over 36,000 individuals screened – 21% are homeless _ For homeless consumers – approximately 50% have both a mental health and substance use disorder

ANCHOR PROGRAM A transitional housing program with case management services. While living at ANCHOR, residents work with case managers and community staff to establish and accomplish their goals as well as transition to safe, affordable, permanent and stable housing.

Accessing New Choices for Housing Opportunities and Recovery To stabilize and lead to permanent housing. All services provided will be directed toward this outcome Outcomes Since inception October Individuals Served 47% left for permanent housing 76% left the program 6 months or less 32% left the program with greater monthly income than upon entry 27% left with food stamps 92% did not return to CRC 81% were not re-arrested in 90 days

Miami – Dade County Housing is an essential component of the 11 th Judicial District’s diversion program. Individuals in the program are not placed in houseless shelters and not released to homelessness. ALFs are used extensively, due to lack of affordable housing in Miami. The 11 th Judicial District conducts its own assessment of each ALF to participate in their program.