Women's Discovery Program and Safe Release Program

Overview

Jurisdiction Level

State

Description

Since 1993, the Women's Discovery Program has provided substance abuse treatment for female inmates in Rhode Island state prisons. Beginning in 1999, with the support of a grant from SAMHSA, the DOC added the Safe Release Program, which targets female inmates with mental illness or co-occurring substance abuse disorders.


Women who volunteer for the Discovery Program and remain active participants for 30 days become eligible for the Safe Release Program. The Safe Release Program is overseen by the Providence Center, a local community-based mental health provider. Eligible inmates receive mental health treatment and specialized case management services. (The Safe Release Program is not the only mechanism for inmates to receive psychiatric services; the Department of Corrections provides mental health services to eligible inmates even if they do not enter the Discovery Program.)

The case managers who oversee the discharge planning for inmates with mental illness are employed by the Providence Center, and they continue to provide case management services for up to one year after the inmate is released. This includes helping inmates locate community-based substance abuse and mental health services, housing, employment, and other services. When appropriate, Providence Center case managers will even provide transportation for the inmate from the prison to a mental health facility upon release. The use of community-based mental health providers as discharge planners ensures continuity of care after the inmate is released.