Specifications include, but are not limited to: • Promoting the concepts of recovery and the power of individual choice; • Providing a majority of services through the ACT team, rather than brokering services. • Supporting the seamless integration of individuals into the communities in which they have chosen to live. ACT teams are expected to become experts in the natural supports available to recipients so that full community integration is possible; • Supporting individuals to develop a vocational or educational plan that will provide a path to independence; • Supporting adults who may have limited social or family support to strengthen existing family relationships, including their family of choice; • Reviewing and attempting to mitigate the effects of discrimination based on the client’s demographic identity (gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity). Team shows sensitivity towards participants’ personal stories as they may relate to oppression and inequality. • Ensuring service access by managing ACT referrals through the County Local Government Unit (LGU) Single Point of Access (SPOA/SPA) system; • Ensuring the continuous quality improvement of ACT services through regular monitoring of treatment/rehabilitation outcomes by both the agency and NYS OMH; • Facilitating continuity of care from the ACT team to the community when transitioning off ACT; and • Utilizing data to inform continuous program improvement. The following forensic components distinguish Forensic ACT from ACT: • Addressing criminogenic needs and risk factors associated with arrest and recidivism and needs as part of the treatment plan, including the use of evidence based cognitive behavioral therapies shown to reduce recidivism. • Enhanced staffing, including criminal justice specialists and a peer specialist who has lived experience with the criminal justice system (preferred). • Training specific to working with Justice-Involved Individuals and the clinical impact of incarceration. • Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with regular ongoing communications with community supervision (probation, parole, court involvement, etc.). • Dedicated slots for individuals being released from prison.
