What is Connect (Clinical Diversion Team)
Connects mission is to bridge gaps and foster connections, ensuring every resident has access to essential resources such as substance use, mental health, and housing. Connect is a safe place that empowers individuals in and out of the justice system to thrive and give back to their community.
24/7 Alcohol
- Court ordered as part of bond due to alcohol related charges
- Daily continuous monitoring with personal breathalyzer device and required to test randomly at least 4 times daily
- Compliance rate 95% (at time of discharge)
- Compliance rate 85% (for individuals with no new charges at one year + post discharge) vs < 10% prior to taking over
24/7 Drug
- Court ordered as part of bond due to drug related charges
- Continuous sobriety monitoring
- Each participant has an assigned case manager
- Compliance rate 92% (at time of discharge), and Compliance rate 82% (for individuals with no new charges at one year + post discharge) vs < 10% prior to taking over
DHS Diversion
- Referrals are direct from District Attorney's office
- Aim is to prevent further legal activity and avoid jail stays for participants with substance use and mental health service needs
- Case Manager assists with resources, program compliance, and support
Drug Court
The Safe Streets Drug Court Program is a court that is specifically developed to handle cases involving drug and alcohol offenders through an intense and monitored program of treatment, rehabilitation, and strict supervision. Participants in the Drug Court Program are in court for committing a non-violent felony under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They must be a resident of Winnebago County and be willing to participate in 12 to 18 months of services. Once in court, those eligible are referred to the program by the District Attorney's office and then must be accepted into the program by the Safe Streets Coordinator.
The Drug Court program is a sentencing option for non-violent felony offenders who would otherwise be sentenced to prison. By working with the Safe Streets team, offenders stay out of jail, allowing them to maintain their jobs and family lives while getting their life back on track.
Jail Reintegration
- Substance Use Disorder Counselor embedded at the Sheriff's Department/Jail since 2019
- Counselor completes assessments, group facilitation, discharge and community reintegration service coordination
- 9 Groups a week (8-12 participants per group)
Mental Health Court
- New program development underway
- Aimed to divert incarceration for those with significant Mental Health struggles and pending legal charges
- Participant attends court weekly and has an assigned case manager for treatment coordination and program compliance
- Program may last 9 to 12 months
- Successful completion avoids legal prosecution
Peer Support
- Peer to Peer coaching/mentoring/advocacy
- Build community and personal relationships
- Assists with mental health and substance use recovery services
- Group Facilitation
SOAR
- Referrals directly from District Attorney's office
- Aimed for those with Stimulant or Opiate drug charges
- Participant's case may be dismissed if sober/clean for 3 months
- If drug uses continues, may need further diversion services including weekly meetings and team sessions
- Charges may be dismissed upon successful completion
SSTOP
Safe Streets Treatment Options Program (SSTOP) is part of the Safe Streets Initiative. Beginning in May of 2006, this pilot program allows second and third time OWI offenders who reside and are convicted in Winnebago County to participate in a probation and treatment program. Similar to Drug Court, SSTOP clients are referred to the program by the District Attorney’s office. Enrollment offers jail diversion through complying with treatment, community service, and monitoring requirements.
Teen Court
- Jury of teen peers determine outcome
- Adolescents 12-17 that have been cited for a legal infraction
- Court held the 3rd Monday of the month at Sheriff's Department
Note: It is the policy of the Winnebago County Department of Human Services to give priority admission and treatment services to pregnant women.
