NCDHHS
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Alliance Health and New Hope Treatment Centers are partnering on a pilot program to improve mental health care for young people involved in the justice system. The $3.5 million investment from NCDHHS will fund a new mental health program operated by New Hope Treatment Centers at the Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner.
"There is an urgent need for access to crisis mental health care in youth juvenile justice facilities, so young people involved in the justice system get the support they need to thrive in their communities when they are released," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "This partnership is one of many ways we are increasing access to services to support a mental health care system that works for everyone in North Carolina."
Recent data from North Carolina shows more than 97% of young people in youth development centers had at least one mental health diagnosis, with more than half also having a substance use disorder diagnosis. Additionally, youth involvement in the justice system can increase a young person’s risk of experiencing more trauma or psychological distress. It can also lead to increased risk of adult criminal activity, lower education attainment and difficulty finding a job.
"Justice-involved youth frequently face significant challenges in accessing community-based behavioral health care," said Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, NC Department of Public Safety, Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. "With the support of DHHS and the partnership between New Hope and Alliance Health, these young individuals will now have the opportunity to receive essential, crisis behavioral health services in an environment that prioritizes both their safety and well-being. This initiative represents a meaningful step toward ensuring that youth in secure custody receive the comprehensive care they deserve."
The pilot program will include a mental health care team and will alleviate current challenges with getting access to appropriate and timely help for youth who need crisis mental health care. The New Hope Treatment Centers program will begin operation later this year and benefit youth with significant mental health needs that impede their day-to-day function. This may include people who are on repeated suicide watch or experiencing psychosis or substance use withdrawal, youth with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities, or youth acting overly aggressive.
"We want to focus on care over punishment," said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. "Getting young people the support they need will help them lead safe and healthy lives in their communities when they return home to their families and communities."
"Alliance Health appreciates the opportunity to partner with NCDHHS on this much-needed initiative that is consistent with our ongoing commitment to bringing care directly to people who need it," said Sean Schreiber, Chief of Innovation and Strategy, "whether that is at a street medicine event, through a mobile crisis team, or to these justice-involved youth."
Components of the program include:
- Crisis intervention strategies for each young person in the program
- Assessments of all youth who meet requirements of the program to determine a participant’s mental health needs
- Clinical interventions with mental health professionals, including nurses trained in psychiatric care
- Whole Person Care coordination with a care team to meet the participant’s non-medical needs like housing, education and family support
"New Hope could not be prouder to be part of this partnership with NCDJJDP, NCDHHS and Alliance Health," said Mike O’Connor, Chief Relationship Officer. "This project is right in line with New Hope’s mission which calls us to serve traditionally underserved populations with complex issues. The collaborative spirit that led to this pilot has been outstanding, and we cannot wait to get started improving the lives of North Carolina’s most vulnerable youth."
Youth will be screened and assessed by a team of mental health and facility staff to determine if they are eligible for the enhanced mental health program. Up to ten people at a time can receive services in a designated space in the facility.
This partnership aligns with Governor Josh Stein’s Executive Order 33, which prioritizes increasing access to mental health care for people involved in the justice system in North Carolina. Together we are committed to building a healthier and safer North Carolina for everyone.
One of NCDHHS top priorities in improving the mental health care system in North Carolina is investing in services for people involved in the justice-system. Read about more of the efforts in the one-year progress report to the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.
