The Neighborhood Center’s Jail Diversion Program is designed to support individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal legal system or who are transitioning back into the community following incarceration. Our goal is to provide the care, connection, and stability needed to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration.
Through compassionate case management and crisis counseling, our team works to ensure that participants receive the support they need to thrive in the community. Services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual and often begin before a person is even released from a detention facility.
Who We Serve
The Jail Diversion Program is available to:
Who We Help
- Residents of Oneida County, and Herkimer County residents involved in the Oneida County criminal legal system
- Individuals diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness or co-occurring disorders
- Individuals pre- or post-release from incarceration
How We Help:
- Bridge Script Services – Assistance in accessing and maintaining medications following release
- Risk Assessment & Referral – Evaluation of safety needs and connection to appropriate services
- Veteran Support – Linkage to the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program for veterans
- Crisis Counseling & De-escalation – Immediate support for individuals in mental health crises
- Peer Advocacy – Peer support from the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team’s mental health and recovery professionals
- Crisis Case Management – Short-term support and coordination of care for individuals in crisis
OUR APPROACH
We meet individuals where they are—often inside detention facilities—to begin building trust and preparing for reentry. Our Forensic Reintegration Counselor and Forensic Crisis Case Manager work alongside probation and parole officers, care managers, mental health and substance use professionals, and community organizations to create a strong support network.
KEY POINTS
Contact:
Rachel Bastien-Chilson
Program Director
rachelb@neighborhoodctr.org
315-732-6228
