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Santa Fe, NM – At its meeting on November 15, 2022, Santa Fe County (County) Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved an amendment to increase services and funding for a new program to assist Santa Fe County jail detainees in successful re-entry into the community.
Funded by the County’s Community Services Department (CSD), this program will expand an existing pilot program to better serve those leaving the jail who have ongoing behavioral health needs. The RISE (Re-integrating into Society Equally) program, operated by Life Link Inc., will support offenders through the provision of intensive case management, and funds will assist with securing housing, transportation, employment and other services necessary for a safe transition to community living. The program will operate in tandem with the County’s existing Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) and CONNECT programs.
Currently, the RISE program operates as a pilot and serves a limited caseload of approximately 65 offenders each year. The RISE program directly serves individuals leaving the jail who may have significant behavioral health challenges. The additional money will enable funding for an expanded team of three case managers, as well as flexible funds to assist in securing housing, transportation, and other necessary services related to the social determinants of health. The ultimate goal of this County-funded program, as with referrals to LEAD from the jail, is to reduce recidivism, increase health and wellbeing, and create a community system of support for individuals leaving the County jail. Another goal is to decrease the need for emergency services and to reduce the frequency and length of incarceration. Total funding for the program following expansion will be $372,000.
“Life Link has had enormous success with their cutting-edge pilot project,” said Gregory S. Shaffer, Santa Fe County Manager. “Many people find themselves involved in the criminal justice system due to behavioral health problems. This program helps them get the services they need to keep them out of jail.”
“We are pleased to continue this successful partnership with the County’s Community Services Department and the jail. It is so exciting to serve a community that never settles for the status quo and is open to innovative, person-centered approaches to difficult challenges,” said Life Link Director Michael DeBernardi.
The program thus far has reduced recidivism for its participants to about 6 percent. In contrast, according to UNM’s Sentencing Commission Report, New Mexico’s overall recidivism rate stands at about 49.1 percent. Other program benefits include helping find stable housing, treatment and employment for individuals.
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