Jail Intervention Program
The Shelby County Jail Intervention Program was created in response to the overwhelming problems that exists because of the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Statistically, and on average, 85% of the jail population is comprised of individuals who have been convicted or have pending charges related to the use of alcohol and drugs. In almost all cases, these individuals are going to be released into the community. Because of this, there is an increased chance that the community will be impacted in negative ways if these individuals continue to abuse alcohol and drugs. An effort to impact this population in a way not previously attempted in Shelby County became the precipice for the creation of the Jail Intervention Program which began operating in early 2018. After initial implementation of the program there has been recognition that the success of the program may be enhanced if participants in the program could be housed together and engage in a more comprehensive treatment program. The closing of the Work Release Program as of July 1, 2018 has created the opportunity and space to create such a program.
Philosophically, the program is based on the belief that the treatment of alcohol and drug dependency, like treatment of other illnesses and diseases, requires a multifaceted approach. It is further understood that people with substance use disorders generally have an array of mental health, medical, family, spiritual, and social problems. Consequently, the approaches that will be utilized in this program will address these areas.
There is a belief that recovery is a long-term process of internal change, and we recognize that these internal changes proceed through various stages. The recovery perspective generates at least two main principles for practice: the development of a treatment plan that provides for continuity of care over time and in a variety of settings and interventions that are specific to the tasks and challenges faced at each of the following stages: engagement, stabilization, treatment, and aftercare or continuing care.
PROGRAM PRINCIPLES:
1. A recovery perspective
2. A multi-problem viewpoint will be adopted
3. Real life problems will be addressed early in treatment
4. A client’s cognitive and functional impairments will be addressed
5. Support systems will be utilized to maintain and extend effectiveness.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
1. To help the client recognize and accept his/her dependence on chemicals
2. To involve the family in the client’s rehabilitation as much as possible.
3. To improve the substance abuser’s ability to relate to his environment in a healthy and constructive manner.
4. To orient the client to Twelve Steps programs and principles and to encourage following these steps as a way of life.
5. To assist in understanding the underlying issues that contribute to the individual’s problems
6. To provide a smooth transition from the jail to the community and with immediate connection to treatment in
the community.
7. To provide a smooth transition from the jail to the community and with immediate connection to treatment in
the community.