Jail Navigator program launches in Cape County
CAPE COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Community Counseling Center in offering the Jail Navigator Program.
The Jail Navigator program highlights the importance of addressing behavioral health issues within the criminal justice system.
By prioritizing behavioral health and providing specific intervention plans, Cape Girardeau County Sherrif’s Office and Community Counseling Center is setting a new standard for county jails across the state, so much so that the Department of Mental Health has implemented a pilot program of four jail navigators at other county jails in the state.
The programs puts a behavior health counselor within the jail which aims to evaluate and address the behavioral health needs of referred inmates, initiating crucial services before they reenter the community.
In the last fiscal year, the Jail Navigator program received 905 referrals, demonstrating the high demand and critical need for behavioral health support among the inmate population.
“The Jail Navigator program is a testament to our commitment to rehabilitation and community safety,” said Lt. Ed Curtis, of Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office. “By providing inmates with the necessary behavioral health services before they reenter society, we are not only supporting their personal growth but also enhancing public safety.” Added Curtis, “We have never before had a program that essentially cut recidivism rates in half.”
The Jail Navigator works one on one with inmates to assess their behavioral health needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and connect them with community resources.
This program was designed to ensures that inmates receive continuous support, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and promoting successful reintegration into society.
