Bridgeway believes that a comprehensive diversion program can make a difference in breaking the cycle of arrest, re-arrest, and incarceration of individuals with serious mental illnesses that are or will be charged with non-violent offenses. The Bridgeway Justice Involved Services program will develop individualized plans for mental health services to assist individuals to reach their own goals and integrate fully into their own community.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Mental health diagnosis
• Union County resident
• Criminal Justice Re-entry Program: must be currently incarcerated or recently incarcerated in a local jail or state prison
• Jail Diversion Program: must have charges from Union County that may be diverted non-violent offenses

Justice Involved Services provides:

• inkages to needed services relating to housing assistance. Until permanent housing can be found referrals will be made for safe temporary housing in the community.
• Linkages to mental and medical health services. The goal of this stage will be to assist the individual to focus on their rehabilitation goals, management and recovery, support services and resources, including linkages to DVR, supportive employment, GED programs, and educational programs.
• Linkages to social welfare/financial entitlements to support independent and community living.
• Employment counseling and career development in order to develop strategies to choose, get and keep employment and/or school
• Assistance to individuals to develop their supportive network in the community, including families, friends, self-help, religious organizations, and social/recreational programs
• Assistance through the legal process and advocacy