setofcs.org

Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program for Ex-Offenders (CHRP)

Click here to view the CHRP Program Brochure

The Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program was developed as a community response system for ex-offenders in the Pikes Peak Region.  Those who enroll in the program benefit from individualized case management, a peer mentoring program, access to both medical and mental heath care that includes prescription medications, and a clearinghouse of information on local programs.  CHRP began in 2008 with grants from Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).     

 

CHRP is a collaborative program utilizing a holistic treatment approach.  SET is the lead organization and is partnering with a number of local medical clinics, mental health organizations, and substance abuse treatment providers came together to form the CHRP program.  This allows SET to refer patients within the program.  CHRP partners are:

• AspenPointe 
• A Turning Point
• Open Bible Medical Clinic
• TLC Pharmacy
• Dr. Elliot Cohen
• Dr. Kurt Peters
  

 

The State of Colorado has a 64% recidivism rate for individuals being released from incarceration within the first three years.  The CHRP Program now in its third year of operation, has seen just a 7% recidivism for our participants. 

 

(Pictured at right: A CHRP patient speaks about her positive experience in the program at press conference in July 2009, when SET announced the $475,000 award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) 

 

 

 

CHRP patients feel respected and valued as people. Here are some of their comments:

“They treat me like a real person.”

“They speak to you and explain, they don’t throw you somewhere. They answer questions, refer, and give out maps and directions"

 

“They actually talk to me. I have to ask questions over and over before I understand sometimes and they are patient. I love these people."

 

"They are not judgmental-they don’t go by race or looks or color-they are wonderful and understanding.”

 

 

As many as 1 in 5 inmates suffer from a serious mental illness; women are 3 times more likely than men to suffer serious mental illnesses.  The CHRP program takes a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) approach to treat mental illness.  FACT is a client-centered, utilizing a recovery oriented model.  FACT targets people with serious and persistent mental illnesses involved in the Criminal Justice system

The CHRP Mental Health component helps to:  

 

-Lessen or eliminate the debilitating symptoms of mental illness to minimize or prevent recurrent acute episodes

-Meet basic needs to enhance quality of life

-Improve functioning in adult social employment roles and activities

-Increase community tenure

   

CHRP staff connects with inmates housed at the Criminal Justice Center who have medical healthcare needs or mental illness.  CHRP provides a bridge from incarceration to assist in facilitating a successful re-entry once the inmates release back to the community.

CHRP also facilitates a peer mentoring program inside the community correctional facilities in El Paso County.