Department of Human Services

Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris and representatives of three service providers visited the Atlantic City Rescue Mission today to celebrate the opening of a new program that offers short-term therapeutic services and intensive case management to people who might otherwise be hospitalized.

The Atlantic City Rescue Mission staffs the diversionary program, which is attached to the Rescue Mission's homeless shelter on Bacharach Boulevard. Jewish Family Services provides intensive case management for the clients and AtlantiCare Behavioral Health operates a short-term partial care program.

The collaborative effort is funded by the DHS Division of Mental Health Services under Redirection II, a DHS initiative to increase the number of community-based services and residences for people with mental illness. Redirection II is proposed to create enough community-based resources so that nearly 400 patients who are clinically ready to leave the state's psychiatric hospitals can be discharged with the assurance that they will receive appropriate support services in the community.

Other Redirection programs are aimed at helping people with mental illness avoid unnecessary hospitalizations in the first place. Despite the state's fiscal crisis, the Fiscal Year 2004 budget includes a $10 million increase for Redirection II.

"We are moving forward this year in large part because of the hard work by Governor McGreevey and the Legislature during this year's budget process," said Commissioner Harris. "They found the money we need to keep Redirection II on track. They understand how valuable these programs are for New Jersey residents with mental illnesses."

Commissioner Harris said the diversionary program at the rescue mission is one of those Redirection programs intended to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.

"Many people with mental illnesses can live very well outside a state hospital, as long as programs are in place to provide the support they need," said Commissioner Harris.

Ted Stryker, President and CEO of AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, said: "Today we’re looking at a substantial initiative which creatively ties together a variety of services – dedicated residential beds, intensive case management support, and a higher level of treatment services in our acute care partial hospitalization program. I am excited about these new services because it represents innovation, encouraging entrenched providers to think creatively in designing services aimed at improving the quality of lives of the consumers we serve."

Dan Pashley, the board chairman for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, said the program serves people in a secure, compassionate environment.

"Mental Health Services have become more accessible in our community because of the partnership among these agencies and the support of Commissioner Harris," Pashley said.

Myra A. Eskin, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May counties, said the key goal of the program is to reduce costly hospitalizations.

"This community collaboration meets all the standards of best practice and is, therefore, one in which we are proud to play a part," Eskin said.

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SIDEBAR: [The following sidebar describes the School-Based Youth Service Program, which operates under the Division of Planning and Special Initiatives in DHS.]

“We’re so proud of the kids that we work with,” explained Leisha Thompson, director of the School-Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) that runs out of the Brick Township Memorial High School building. “Kids are referred to us by a teacher, or on their own will seek us out as a resource when they need someone to talk to. We offer drop-in services, have a guidance counselor and social worker on hand, so when a teen is having a bad day and needs some guidance, we are there for them.” The School-Based Youth Services Program is offered to everyone in the school, “not just the so-called ‘bad’ kids” said Thompson.

This is the fourth year for the SBYSP in Brick. It serves teens ages 13 to 18 or 19 years old, with mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, and career counseling, plus a recreational component and an on-site health educator. The SYBSP’s Career Group teaches teens how to go on a successful job interview, create their own resume, fill out a job application, learn the appropriate work dress code, develop good phone skills, etc.

“We sent flyers to all homes of 8th graders to tell them about our Summer Program, created to help ease their anxiety about entering high school,” explained Thompson. “Each week a different group of eighth graders comes to tour their high school, learn what to do in such big building, and become familiar with some of the staff. Then during the school year if they need help, at least they know us! The Summer Program is FREE and features a different activity and learning experience each day. Topics include self-esteem, stress management, substance abuse, and careers. There is a ROPES course to create teamwork, learn how to communicate and ask for help, achieve and overcome obstacles, build trust… great learning experience.

For information about School-Based Youth Services Programs, check the New Jersey State website at http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/sp&i/schoolbased.html

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