Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

buses, and bus vestibules that promote the idea of employment for the mentally ill.

❑ NYC-LINK Program for Forensic Clients

In 1996 the Department initiated the NYC-LINK program. The program assists adult inmates with mental health problems to make the transition from jail or prison mental health services to community-based services after discharge. NYC-LINK helps clients reintegrate into the community while minimizing re- hospitalizations and repeated criminal justice involvement. In.1998 the model was replicated for adolescent inmates at the Spofford Juvenile Center.

❑ 1-800-LIFENET/1-800-AYUDESE

LIFENET is a toll-free, 24 hour-per-day, 7 day-per-week confidential hotline created by the Department in 1996 to provide callers with information, referrals, crisis management, and intervention related to mental health and substance abuse problems. The mental health professionals at LifeNet receive over 2,000 calls each month. Based on the success of the program, the Department subsequently developed a Spanish-language version of LIFENET, 1-800- AYUDESE.

❑ Managed Care/Special Needs Plans

The Department has committed significant staff resources over several years to prepare for mandatory managed care for Medicaid recipients. The Department has worked closely with the State Office of Mental Health on the development of the behavioral health benefits under the basic Medicaid managed care plans as well as the creation of Special Needs Plans for seriously and persistently mentally ill individuals who need more intensive mental health services. The Department will collaborate with the State on the contracting process to make certain that the particular needs of City residents are addressed by the successful bidders for the SNP contracts.

❑ Cumberland Project

The Department implemented an innovative integrated services model at the Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Brooklyn during 1998. The program provides substance abuse treatment, mental health and primary health care services, and support services on an outpatient basis to women whose children are in foster care or are at risk of out-of-home placement due to the mother's substance abuse and mental health problems.

NYC-WTC 000137991