Date: 09/12/2014
Final
Presentation on Housing Issues
TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
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10:43 AM -- Housing Issues
Ms. Walton stated that Boulder County was the first in the nation to combine the Division of Housing with the Division of Human Services. She discussed how this merger has been advantageous, including how it allows various funding sources to be better utilized.
10:46 AM
Pat Coyle, Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs, presented on the efforts of the division to address housing, especially for persons involved in the criminal justice system. He provided an outline of his presentation (Attachment E). He discussed what stable housing provides to an individual, including employment and education possibilities. He discussed the Colorado Second-Chance Act Housing and Reentry Program (C-SCHARP). He stated that the U.S. Department of Justice provided the Colorado Department of Local Affairs grants in 2010 and 2013 for C-SCHARP for intensive supportive services for previous offenders with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. These services include the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. Sixty individuals were enrolled in C-SCHARP under the first grant, and an additional 30 individuals were enrolled under the second grant. Mr. Coyle discussed recidivism reduction though C-SCHARP and the potential cost savings to various state agencies. He discussed the challenges of finding neighborhoods, landlords, and property managers that are willing to allow previous offenders to live in their communities. He discussed how the Division of Housing partners with the mental health providers, the human services systems, and the parole system to provide supportive services to individuals so that landlords do not have to provide those services.
14MICJS0912AttachE.pdf
10:52 AM
Mr. Coyle responded to questions about the success of placing people discharged from jails and prisons in neighborhood housing. He stated that felons can be housed in public housing. He outlined the offenses that federal law prohibits someone from being living in public housing, which are producing methamphetamines, arson, or certain sex offenses. Mr. Coyle said that local housing authorities can place other restrictions on their properties. Mr. Coyle responded to questions about what is happening in rural areas. He referenced Southwest Transitions in Durango that provides transitional housing and services for homeless offenders on parole. He discussed the importance of connecting housing programs with job programs. Ms. Walton discussed expanding existing programs that are working, and possibly expanding budgets for these successful programs. Senator Newell asked Ms. Walton to advise her and Representative Rosenthal about potential budget requests related to housing they may need to advocate for during the budget discussions. Mr. Coyle discussed the mental health vouchers. Ms. Walton discussed more effectively using the various moneys that are being used to house individuals with mental illness who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
11:03 AM
Ms. Shimeall discussed previous housing incentives legislation proposed by the task force, an apartment building purchased by the Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network apartment, and the ACT model.
11:08 AM
The committee thanked the task force for the work that is being done. Senator Newell thanked the members who are leaving the committee. The committee members made concluding remarks about the task force. The committee adjourned.