Jail Diversion: Project H.O.P.E.

(Helping Offenders Pursue Excellence)

Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Offenders Pursue Excellence!) is a special needs program at LifeNet designed for offenders on probation or parole or have a history with the criminal justice system who have both misdemeanor and felony convictions.

LifeNet has trained medical staff consisting of psychiatrists and registered nurses and case managers - Qualified Mental Health Professionals - who work closely with probation officers, parole officers and the court system to ensure the continuum of care. LifeNet QMHPs meet with clients to ensure continued successful participation and monitor all client activity, follow-up, medication, court appearances, substance abuse compliance and links to community resources and services.

LifeNet’s recidivism rates have been hailed by the Texas Governor's office as the best in recent history. In the latest reporting period, LifeNet clients experienced a rate of over 96% who remained substance and drug free and did not return to incarceration.   

Jail diversion programs are designed to divert mentally ill citizens from jail, linking them to appropriate community resources that promote rehabilitation and success. Many JD clients are homeless and have little or no social or family support. The ATLAS program includes the following:

• Felony probationers who are not on successful on probation.
• Provides last stop before being revoked and sent to prison.
• 12 month program
• Receive medical and case management services from a mental health provider such as LifeNet.
• Remain stable on medications
• Gain stable housing
• Gain financial stability
• Gain stable employment if needed

The Misdemeanor Mental Health Program is designed to link qualified jailers with mental health services to help reduce recidivism. The six month program consists of the following requirements before successful graduation:

• Receive medical and case management services from a mental health provider such as LifeNet.
• Remain stable on medications
• Gain stable housing
• Gain financial stability
• Gain stable employment if needed

DDC, the Dual Diagnosis Program, is made up of probationers who are dual diagnosed (clinically diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse). Participants of this program have completed 90 days inpatient treatment at Dallas County Judiciary Treatment Center in Wilmer, Texas. Upon re-entry into the community, they participate in an intensive 3 month aftercare program in which they must meet the following requirements before successful graduation:

• Receive medical and case management services from a mental health provider such as LifeNet.
• Remain stable on medications
• Receive Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
• Gain stable housing
• Gain financial stability
• Gain stable employment if needed

The JD Staff QMHPs are required to provide intensive case management to all participants including:

• Meeting with the client 1-2 times each week
• Working in close communication with the Judges and Probation Officers by attending weekly staffing meetings
• Prepare weekly staffing reports on client’s progress
• Provide transportation to and from court and various appointments when needed
• Providing referrals to community resources
• Educate clients about their diagnosis and appropriate symptom management skills.