Maricopa County Conditional Community Release Program

Overview

Jurisdiction Level

County

Description

The Conditional Community Release Program employs a contract psychiatrist, probation officer, surveillance officer, and intake specialist to identify, diagnose, and supervise offenders with mental illness. Once referred, the inmate is evaluated within 72 hours by an intake specialist. If appropriate, the inmate is admitted to the program and jail-release planning is undertaken. The psychiatrist will see the person in jail in order to ensure continuity of care once released, and the probation officer will see the client to complete all necessary paperwork.


Once released, the probationer may be placed in a housing facility funded by adult probation, or released to his or her home if appropriate. While in the community, the probation officer and surveillance officer supervise the client. The psychiatrist provides follow-up treatment if the client is not enrolled in community treatment. Using contracts with a local medical services agency, the program provides medication at a reduced cost and ensures that the clients receive necessary psychological testing.


The program is 45 days in length, at which time the client is transferred back to his or her original probation officer or referred to a specialized mental health caseload. In the event the client is not stabilized, the county will continue to serve the client until this is accomplished.