Department: Veterans Services
Department Head/Elected Official: Dave Lewis
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): GY24_VMH
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): NA
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 0%
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Veterans Services Department for approval of three grant positions effective June 29, 2024 for the FY 2024 Veterans Mental Health - Peer Support Program.
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Background and Discussion:
For the last few years, roughly 2,500-3,000 Veterans pass through the Harris County justice system. Veterans Services Department has been engaged (part-time) inside the jail for the last two years, in attempt to mitigate a recidivism rate that hovers around 70%+. Although we have seen improvements simply through our reentry strategies and connections upon release, we feel they are minor in comparison to if we had staff to contribute full-time. This began discussions with TVC about a grant to create a group who can focus on transitioning Veterans through Case Management and Peer Support. We have had several discussions with the Sheriff's Department inside the jail and developed a great working partnership. This will strengthen that collaboration and allow this group to focus full-time filling in the gaps that exist once exiting back to the community.
Expected Impact:
Full-time staff will house with Sheriff's Department, to connect with Veterans while incarcerated. Team will work reentry strategies and peer support, based on what the Veteran needs when exiting jail, to include housing, substance treatment, crisis management, employment, etc. Goal is to lower jail population by filling in gaps through connection to resources during reentry to the community; in return lowering recidivism.
Alternative Options:
None
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