Expanding Housing and Support for IST Individuals in California
AHP collaborates with the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to support the expansion of residential housing capacity for individuals charged with a felony and deemed incompetent to stand trial (IST). The IST Infrastructure Project (also known as DSH-IST) offers funding to California counties and non-county entities partnered with counties, facilitating the development of ongoing diversion and community-based restoration (CBR) programs. AHP manages the award funding process, including outreach, technical assistance, solicitation, selection, negotiation, and contracting.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
CHALLENGE
Individuals in California deemed IST due to their mental state face significant challenges beyond their legal proceedings. The combination of mental illness or disability and a criminal record creates substantial barriers to employment and stable housing, often resulting in homelessness. Addressing these interconnected issues is critical to preventing further marginalization and ensuring these individuals receive the support they need to reintegrate into society.
SOLUTION
To address these challenges, the IST Infrastructure Project provides funding to support California counties and partnered entities in developing and expanding diversion and CBR programs. This funding aims to enhance residential housing capacity for IST individuals. AHP plays a pivotal role in managing the award funding process, offering outreach, technical assistance, and overseeing the solicitation, selection, negotiation, and contracting phases. By ensuring proper allocation and utilization of funds, AHP helps build the infrastructure necessary to support IST individuals.
RESULTS
The DSH-IST initiative has successfully expanded residential housing options for individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial, providing them with the stability needed to address their mental health and legal challenges. AHP’s comprehensive support throughout the funding process has enabled continuous growth and improvement of these programs. By assisting grantees from the pre-funding stage through implementation and post-implementation, AHP ensures sustained progress in housing and rehabilitating IST individuals, ultimately contributing to their successful reintegration into society.
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
For press inquiries, please contact newsroom@ahpnet.com.