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SSI and SSDI as Tools in Re-Entry

SSI and SSDI as Tools in Re-Entry. Deborah Dennis National SOAR TA Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Delmar, NY December 4, 2009. Prevalence of Mental Illness in Jails. Researchers: PRA and CSG Sites: 5 jails (2 – MD; 3 – NY) Time: 2002 and 2006

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SSI and SSDI as Tools in Re-Entry

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  1. SSI and SSDI as Tools in Re-Entry Deborah Dennis National SOAR TA Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Delmar, NY December 4, 2009

  2. Prevalence of Mental Illness in Jails Researchers: PRA and CSG Sites: 5 jails (2 – MD; 3 – NY) Time: 2002 and 2006 Serious Mental Illness: Depression/Bi-Polar/Schizophrenia/ Schizo-Affective/Schizophreniform/ Brief Psychotics/Delusional/ Psychosis Prevalence: Last month Prevalence Rates: Men – 14.5% Women – 31%

  3. Why is Access to SSI and SSDI So Important for Re-entry? • For people who are disabled, these benefits provide access to: • Income • Housing • Health insurance and treatment

  4. The Problem • Only about 37 percent of all applicants are typically approved on application • People coming out of jail or prison are approved at a much lower rate • Appeals take years and many potentially eligible people give up and do not appeal

  5. SOAR Makes A Difference… • As of August 2009, 71 percent of those assisted by SOAR case managers in 32 states (3,158 persons) were approved for SSI in 89 days on average

  6. SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative • SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery • Sponsored by SAMHSA; No direct funding provided to States or localities • Helps States and communities increase access to SSI/SSDI through: • Collaboration and strategic planning • Training • Technical assistance

  7. Approval Rates Are Highest… • In places where more SOAR critical components are able to be implemented

  8. Successful Models in Corrections • Miami jail diversion program – 77 percent of 146 applications approved in 70 days; recidivism decreased from 70 to 22 percent • Sing Sing prison in NY– 89 percent of 100 pre-release applications approved in 59 days • Same staff who do applications provide mental health and other support services in community and access housing

  9. SOAR TA Team offers… • Experience and expertise related to re-entry, “in reach” and community-based service provision, and expediting SSI and SSDI • Strategic planning to build partnerships necessary to implement SOAR in jail – SSA, DDS, community provider, jail, medical records, etc. • Training of staff involved at all levels • Follow up technical assistance to insure that challenges are overcome as they arise

  10. SOAR TA Available to Applicants for this Initiative • TA available to limited number of jail/ community provider collaborations • Made possible by grants from the Nicholson and Langeloth foundations

  11. To Include SOAR in Your Application You Need… • Community program willing to assist with applications during incarceration and follow-through upon release • OR jail willing to commit staff to assist with applications and arrangement for follow-through upon release • Implementation of SOAR critical components (see www.prainc.com/soar) • Willingness to submit data on applications assisted

  12. To Include SOAR in Your Application, Contact… Deborah Dennis, National SOAR Project DirectorPolicy Research Associates, Inc.Delmar, NY518-439-7415, ext. 238ddennis@prainc.com SOAR Website: www.prainc.com/soar

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