Phone: (860) 887-6536
Fax: (860) 885-1970

Unit Director: Lisa Harrison ext. 222
Program Coordinator: Robin Smith ext. 223

"Reducing recidivism by linking with community resources"

Individuals who qualify are:
Diagnosed with a mental illness or with a co-occurring diagnosis, and are serving for charges of misdemeanor.

How are referrals made?
Staff of the Southeastern Mental Health Authority collaborates with bail commissioners, judges, public defenders, and district attorneys from the Norwich and New London court systems to identify detainees who qualify for the JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAM. Referrals are made to the Jail Diversion staff at Reliance House and an Intake is
completed.

Jail Diversion Checklist:

· Assess the needs of the individual
· Provide Respite Housing and orient to Program
· Review needs and develop goals and service plan
· Provide resource information and education
· Link to appropriate community resources
· Provide support and encouragement
· Provide follow-up contacts and feedback to the court

Rules of the Respite Housing Program:

· Guests are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the apartment. Each guest will be assigned a chore.
· Guests will be given their own key. It must be returned at the time of discharge.
· Respite guests may have visitors with approval of staff.
· Guests who are prescribed medication will allow staff to lock those medications in a secure place.
· Medication must be taken as the original bottles or a MDs note prescribes.
· Guests may make local phone calls.
· Respite is a smoke-free environment. If you choose to smoke, please do so outside of the building.
· Respite guests must remain inside the Respite apartment after 11:00 p.m.