NCJ Number
203789
Date Published
2003
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents an evaluation of the Erie County, Pennsylvania Community Reintegration of Offenders with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse (CROMISA) program during the period of October 2002 through June 2003.
Abstract
The Erie County, Community Reintegration of Offenders with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse (CROMISA) program began as a federally funded program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is currently under the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This report presents program evaluation results conducted during a 9-month period, between October 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003, with results reported on a process evaluation, statistical evaluation, and administrative evaluation of CROMISA. In addition, personal stories are provided to give a better understanding of the variety of challenges overcome by some of the CROMISA clients served. The process evaluation results showed that the program is successful in moving clients from the residential phase into the community reintegration phase. Additional process evaluation results included: (1) the introduction of the STEP apartments in 2003 fulfilled the need for short-term housing which was needed to allow for the time to get into private housing; (2) relationships were solidified with the Institutional Parole Representatives (IPR's) at many of the State Correctional Institutions, creating more appropriate referrals; (3) the addition of the Deerfield Residential Program provided flexibility in tailoring needs to the client; (4) low staff turnover; and (5) strong management. In the statistical evaluation, information on general client characteristics included demographics on gender, race, ethnicity, education, referral source, disability, and veteran status. The evaluation shows that more clients have graduated in the most recent period than in previous periods while the unsuccessful discharges have slowed tremendously. The administrative evaluation indicated there were no reports of problems in receiving payments, answers to questions or other information from any service providers. During this time period, there were a total of 4,676 days of treatment for 29 clients with an 86 percent utilization of treatment days possible; in addition, 92.5 percent of all expenditures went to direct treatment costs. Overall, the CROMISA program saved significant amounts of money, as well as increased public safety. Tables and graphs