PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 13, 2003)—Community Education Centers (CEC) recently introduced a program for severely mentally ill offenders at its Coleman Hall facility in Philadelphia. The Mental Health Program provides education, treatment and vocational training to residents who are referred by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Board of Probation and Parole.

“The treatment of offenders with serious mental health problems differs from the treatment afforded to those with alcohol and other substance abuse disorders,” said John J. Clancy, President and CEO of Community Education Centers. “CEC recognizes the unique needs of this population and has developed a comprehensive treatment program for offenders with mental health problems,” added Mr. Clancy.

Coleman Hall has been accepting mental health program referrals since January 2003. “These residents have a range of disorders, from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to major depression,” said Tom Brady, Acting Director of Coleman Hall. Treatment of the resident’s primary diagnosis is provided by the referring agency outside of Coleman Hall. “Treatment is provided on an outpatient basis consisting of either partial hospital day treatment or traditional two-days a week outpatient treatment sessions,” explained Mr. Brady.

While at Coleman Hall, “residents with mental health problems participate in a curriculum specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this population,” said Mr. Brady.
Activities include counseling and education about substance abuse and medication compliance, GED, vocational training and reintegration skills.

When appropriate, the resident is encouraged to find employment. Residents who demonstrate compliance with the curriculum and follow instructions on a day-to-day basis and who are compliant with their medication are allowed to find a job.

Coleman Hall provides mentally ill offenders with a continuum of care treatment program, which is administered by a diverse group of professionals, as well as linkages to aftercare in the community. Staff members are cross-trained to treat both substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously.

“Only through a continuum of care can mentally ill offenders increase their chances of living independently, thereby preventing their return to the criminal justice system, to mental hospitals or to homelessness,” said Mr. Clancy.