Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced the approval of four resolutions that are part of the Albany County Department of Mental Health’s efforts to improve their mental health services to residents in the criminal justice system. These budget amendments will allow for the optimal utilization of grant funding to reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes for incarcerated individuals as well as those recently released.

These resolutions include:

1. Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP)- In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), this program will address high-priority needs, including hiring a care manager to connect clients with resources upon release and link them to community supports to address social determinants of health. The project’s core objective is to develop a robust “jail re-entry” case management model for individuals with serious and pervasive mental illness. This entails fostering relationships and improving connections to community services post-release.
2. Re-Entry Services- In partnership with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, this initiative will address the pressing needs of recently released individuals in order to assist them with reintegrating into the community. Many of these individuals come out of incarceration without the means to support themselves. These services include our food bank, down payment or rent assistance, and vital resources such as move-in kits and furniture to those in need.
3. Jail Diversion- In partnership with the NYS Office of Mental Health, this funding will support high-priority initiatives, including hiring one peer advocate and two mental health assistants to reduce recidivism and address root causes of criminal behavior through relationship building and improved connections to community services post-release. It will also fund resources to address social determinants of health, staff training, travel assistance, bus passes for clients, and client support materials tailored to individual needs.
4. Mental Health Court Navigation- In partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health. This funding will allow for the expansion of Albany County’s Mental Health Court, a diversion program for high-need individuals with nonviolent misdemeanor or felony charges struggling with behavioral health challenges. Through this program, defendants will receive up to a year of mental health treatment, which will result in their charges either being dropped or diminished. Over the course of that year, the Albany County Department of Mental Health tracks their progress, assesses them, and reports back to the court. This is necessary to ensure individuals complete the terms of their agreement. By adding two case managers, we expand our capacity to assist more individuals. Additionally, this will enhance Albany County Department of Mental Health’s ability to address needs through relationship building and improved connections to community services.

“By reallocating grant funds more efficiently, we can ensure that those in our justice system receive the care they need, breaking the cycle of incarceration and creating a pathway to rehabilitation and recovery. This ultimately makes our community safer by allowing law enforcement and the court system to focus on violent crime,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

“For too long individuals living with mental health challenges have been disproportionately over-represented in the criminal justice system. Albany County has long been committed to righting this wrong.  These initiatives will allow the Department of Mental Health to continue to provide a continuum of care designed to decrease recidivism and increase quality of life for many of our residents,” said Albany County Mental Health Commissioner Stephen J. Giordano, Ph.D.