A new ‘Release Checklist’ from ReEntry Mental Health Action Team will help families and friends plan and provide a continuum of care for persons with mental illness as they transition back to their communities after incarceration.

The Action Team meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at TVF&R Community Room, 20665 SW Blanton Street, Aloha. Contact them at remhaction@gmail.com.

Below is the text of the Release Checklist 2016 brochure, composed and produced by ReEntry Mental Health Action Team.

PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
RELEASING FROM OREGON PRISON

A Guide for Families, Friends & Advocates
to Help Plan & Provide a Continuum of Care

Oregon Department of Corrections coordinates with the County to which the person will be released. The efforts of ODOC help to provide a continuum of care for persons with mental health needs after incarceration.

You can help ensure a continuum of care.

Person in custody must sign a Release of Information (ROI) form
so that confidential information can be released.

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A note to family & friends:
While in prison your loved one has been unable to make many decisions or have
control over his or her day-to-day life. As the day of release approaches, they may
become increasingly anxious and irritable. While very excited about finally leaving
prison, the reality of entering the unknown and succeeding in a much different world
can cause worry and stress. You may find your loved one’s behaviors so very different than what you expected. Encourage open communication. Be patient and supportive while allowing them time to adjust to their new life.

ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPS

• Your local NAMI offers classes for families and friends and help accessing community mental health services. www.nami.org

• Find out how you can help your recently or soon to be released loved one successfully re-enter our communities. Release Orientations are co-facilitated by Community Corrections and Oregon CURE. (CURE: Citizens United For Rehabilitation of Errants) http://oregoncure.org/orientations

• ReEntry & Mental Health Action Team advocates for improved services for justice-involved persons with mental health challenges. Meetings are held monthly. remhaction@gmail.com

DEFINITIONS

APD: Aging & People with Disabilities
BHS: Behavioral Health Services
CCO: Coordinated Care Organization
Community Corrections: Supervises criminal offenders in the community, as opposed to confining them in secure correctional facilities.
DDS: Department of Developmental Services
DHS: Department of Human Services
DOC: Department of Corrections
Jail: Short-term incarceration in county/city facility.
Mentor: Person employed to assist releasing prisoners re-enter society; helps with housing, employment, etc. (person may have previously served time in jail/prison).
ODOC: Oregon Department of Corrections
OHP: Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Parole Officer: Supervises former criminal offenders in the community after prison release.
PMHNP: Licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Prison: State correctional facility for long-term sentences.
Probation Officer: Supervises criminal offenders in the community who release from jail, etc.
ROI Release of Information form: When signed, allows release of specific information (medical, mental health, etc.)
SSA: Social Security Administration
SSI/SSDI: Social Security benefits (Supplemental Security Income; SS Disability Income)
DOC coding:
MH2: Severe mental health needs
MH3: Highest level of mental health needs
DD2: IQ 70-79 and moderately impaired functioning.
DD3: IQ below 70 and significantly impaired functioning.