Forensic Reintegration

The SAMH Forensic Reintegration Team provides linking and monitoring services to mentally ill individuals who have forensic involvement and who have been deemed by the court to be incompetent to proceed. The team consists of 12 individuals who work collaboratively with the judiciary, State Forensic Hospitals, and community providers. The overall goal of the team is to minimize the length of stay in jail or institutions, increase opportunity for successful re-integration to the community, and to reduce costs.

The following chart provides a breakdown of Incompetent To Proceed clients served in the court, forensic hospitals, jails and the community:

*Additionally, our records indicate that approximately 1,125 clients will have been served by the end of June, 2008. (Based on the average number of clients served per month)

One of the highlights of the year was the team’s effort to assist with the return of individuals who had long lengths of stay in the State Forensic Hospital. The team led a group of providers to Florida State Hospital and interviewed these Incompetent To Proceed individuals. Working with the court, service providers accepted 10 out of 16 individuals. All 10 are currently living in a less restrictive environment and receiving appropriate services in the community. The cost of keeping individuals in the community is less expensive than the Forensic Hospital. (See Exhibit A)

EXHIBIT A: The average per diem cost for forensic facilities operated or contracted by Department of Children & Families is $337

Note: Cost data provided is based on Fiscal Year 2006-07 expenditures. Expenditure data is not yet available for facilities where data is not provided. Source: Department of Children & Families