SSI and SSDI as Tools in Re-Entry Deborah Dennis National SOAR TA Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Delmar, NY December 4, 2009

Prevalence of Mental Illness in Jails Researchers:PRA and CSG Sites:5 jails (2 – MD; 3 – NY) Time:2002 and 2006 Serious Mental Illness: Depression/Bi-Polar/Schizophrenia/ Schizo-Affective/Schizophreniform/ Brief Psychotics/Delusional/ Psychosis Prevalence:Last month Prevalence Rates: Men – 14.5% Women – 31%

Why is Access to SSI and SSDI So Important for Re-entry? For people who are disabled, these benefits provide access to: Income Housing Health insurance and treatment

The Problem Only about 37 percent of all applicants are typically approved on application People coming out of jail or prison are approved at a much lower rate Appeals take years and many potentially eligible people give up and do not appeal

SOAR Makes A Difference… As of August 2009, 71 percent of those assisted by SOAR case managers in 32 states (3,158 persons) were approved for SSI in 89 days on average

SOAR Technical Assistance Initiative SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery Sponsored by SAMHSA; No direct funding provided to States or localities Helps States and communities increase access to SSI/SSDI through: Collaboration and strategic planning Training Technical assistance

Approval Rates Are Highest… In places where more SOAR critical components are able to be implemented

Successful Models in Corrections Miami jail diversion program – 77 percent of 146 applications approved in 70 days; recidivism decreased from 70 to 22 percent Sing Sing prison in NY– 89 percent of 100 pre- release applications approved in 59 days Same staff who do applications provide mental health and other support services in community and access housing

SOAR TA Team offers… Experience and expertise related to re-entry, “in reach” and community-based service provision, and expediting SSI and SSDI Strategic planning to build partnerships necessary to implement SOAR in jail – SSA, DDS, community provider, jail, medical records, etc. Training of staff involved at all levels Follow up technical assistance to insure that challenges are overcome as they arise

SOAR TA Available to Applicants for this Initiative TA available to limited number of jail/ community provider collaborations Made possible by grants from the Nicholson and Langeloth foundations

To Include SOAR in Your Application You Need… Community program willing to assist with applications during incarceration and follow- through upon release OR jail willing to commit staff to assist with applications and arrangement for follow- through upon release Implementation of SOAR critical components (see Willingness to submit data on applications assisted

To Include SOAR in Your Application, Contact… Deborah Dennis, National SOAR Project Director Policy Research Associates, Inc. Delmar, NY , ext SOAR Website: