Waterbury, VT – A new collaboration between the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Pathways Vermont will help enhance treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
This assistance will come through the evidence-based Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) practice, which is recognized by the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health and Services Administration (SAMHSA) as having shown success in treating individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges and who are considered at risk of re-offending.
FACT will help to reduce the likelihood of individuals being incarcerated again, and increase productive, safe, and structured time in the community where they will be provided resources for housing, employment, and opportunities to build social connections.
“The Department of Corrections is thankful for this collaboration as we continue creating supportive frameworks to ensure that incarcerated and supervised individuals successfully reenter our communities,” said Department of Corrections Commissioner Nicholas Deml. “This cannot happen without strong partners. Our department is grateful for the teamwork with DMH on our common goal of building a better Vermont.”
The team at Pathways Vermont will be providing those receiving FACT treatments with direct service providers and case management. The DOC team will include probation, parole, and community correctional officers. Social service agencies and healthcare providers will also be involved in the wider treatment team.
“We are grateful for continued support from the state legislature which funded FACT and the Vermont Congressional Delegation which continues to support the federal Mental Health Block Grant,” said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes. “This program is a product of effective interdepartmental collaboration and wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of Pathways Vermont.”
###