" The final clang of the bars made me wonder...am I safe in here? And then 'Here but for the grace of God'..." CA/POST worker - Ocean County Jail

The Problem:
The Corrections System has become the residence of necessity for many pepole with mental illness who are not receiving treatment.  How does an advocacy organization like MHANJ affect change in this systems problem? How do we offer creative solutions that will help consumers/inmates somewhere along the continuum of arrest/adjudication/confinement in jail? During these difficult economic times there will probably be few additions to our existing community mental health system. What will make a difference?

MHANJ's Solution:
MHANJ responds to this dilemma by using peers to take services into the jails. Our POST (Peer Outreach Support Team) workers go into county jails, link to inmates with mental illness, teach them what treatment options exist when they leave, and help them successfully transition back into the community.

 POST workers are individuals who have suffered mental illness themselves and are now employed by MHANJ. In both Atlantic and Ocean Counties they go into the county jails to advocate, educate, and refer. Their goal is to provide a safety net for inmates until their release. By sharing their personal stories they quickly break down barriers and build trust. They run groups including Anger Management and Double Trouble, the latter geared to help those struggling with recovery from substance abuse and mental illness. The success of the programs is in the information and the personal connection that encourages participation and follow up with mental health care. The success is that inmates know that people in similar circumstances have prevailed and are making a go of it in the community while reaching one hand back to help others.

Learn more about our Community Advocates/POST program.