One key to successfully transitioning an inmate with mental illness from jail back into the community is what’s called a “warm hand-off.” It is when jail staff and the county’s behavioral health department work hand-in-hand to ensure that inmates have the resources they need immediately upon their release, including transportation, housing, medication and assistance setting up appointments.

For nearly a year, Riverside County’s Sheriff’s Department and the Riverside University Health System’s Behavioral Health Department have collaborated to change the treatment of care for the incarcerated mentally ill population as well as plan their successful transitions back into the community.

Other counties are noticing the positive impact Riverside County is making with these changes. “We’ve had other counties come and see what we’re all about,” said Tarica Coleman, the Behavioral Health Services Supervisor-Detention for the Riverside University Health System. “We’re just beginning and it’s only getting better from here and it has improved a lot, as far as offering group services to our clients here – discharge planning as well as individual therapy and crisis management. I think it’s very unique as far as Riverside County being able to implement at various levels, depending on the facility, these type of services.

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