Human Services

Jail Transition Program Overview

Skagit County Jail Transition Program (JTP) uses a post-booking case management model to facilitate safe transition from confinement to community services for inmates who have mental health disorders. The objectives of transition services are to lessen recidivism and to support individuals in becoming productive members of society.

One of the primary goals is to expedite applications for new or reinstated Medicaid benefits. The JTP is staffed by a Case Manager who crosschecks jail bookings and the public mental health system daily. If an inmate is identified as a past or current mental health client, the inmate is screened for program eligibility. Inmates not identified as previously enrolled in the public mental health system may also receive assistance in initiating the Medicaid application process.

The Case Manager, with the inmate, develops a transition plan that includes a comprehensive assessment of client's social needs, including:

• Benefit status and eligibility (including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, veterans benefits, food stamps, TANF and other government entitlement programs)
  
• Psychosocial/ Behavioral health needs (mental health/ substance abuse/co-occurring)
  
• Medication
  
• Medical
  
• Housing/ Residential
  
• Vocational/ Employment
  
• Food
  
• Clothing
  
• Transportation

Case management services continue up to ninety days after release. As funds are available, the program may seek to assist client with basic living necessities (such as food, clothing, etc.) for a brief period, while more permanent means of subsistence are being pursued. For further information contact Jail Transition Case Manager at 360-391-9729.