Jail Alternatives Program

The South Central Behavioral Health Region (Appanoose, Davis, Mahaska and Wapello Counties) Jail Alternatives Program mission is to provide an opportunity for treatment services to individuals with mental health and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. The program works to connect individuals to the appropriate level of community-based treatment for their mental health and co-occurring needs in hopes of improving their overall quality of life and reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Goals

Identify individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders post-booking; through referrals and screenings.
Connect individuals to community-based agencies and services.
Provide short-term, intensive case monitoring.
Provide crisis support and interventions as needed.
Reduce the number of incarcerated persons with mental health and co-occurring disorders in the South Central Behavioral Health Regional Jails.

Eligibility Requirements

18 years or older.
South Central Behavioral Health jail inmate
Voluntary agreement to participate in the program.
An Axis I mental health diagnosis.
Other diagnoses can be considered on a case by case basis.
Legal Eligibility: Based on collaboration between the County Attorney, defense attorney, Jail Alternatives staff, probation/parole officer and the judge.