Annapolis, MD (July 12, 2006) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens today opened the new Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities Mental Health Unit, located at the Jennifer Road Detention Center. "The goal is to interrupt the revolving door cycle of arrest, detention, release, and re-arrest for people with mental illness," said County Executive Owens. "The number of people with mental illness entering detention and correctional facilities continues to grow, and the need to stabilize and develop a treatment plan for these inmates was crucial." This is one of only two mental health units placed in detention centers statewide. The program begins with admission assessment, continues with treatment and tracks the progress during the term of incarceration. It concludes with aftercare and case management services upon release. The JRDC Mental Health Unit represents an important component of the system, housing mentally ill inmates for initiation of treatment and stabilization. Key players in the mental health system include a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, licensed social workers, and mental health case managers, all of whom act as a team to provide coordinated, comprehensive and effective service delivery. AACDF continues its partnership with Correctional Medical Services and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, the primary funding source for the social workers and case managers employed by Partnership Development Group. | 
