COMCARE

 

Sedgwick County Offender Assessment Program (SCOAP)

1720 E Morris, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67211
316-660-1900

What is SCOAP?

This program works with the courts to intercept those with mental illnesses who have come into contact with the legal system and connect them to services and medication rather than incarceration.  Most crimes involved are misdemeanor offenses.

Through treatment, SCOAP addresses the causes of the arresting behavior to reduce recidivism among mentally ill persons.

Whom does this program serve?

Sedgwick County residents ages 18 and older who suffer from a diagnosable mental illness and who come into contact with the criminal justice system are served by this program.

Which services are offered through this program?

SCOAP provides mental health assessment services, intensive case management, crisis intervention and medication management.

How are individuals connected to this program?

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) for Law Enforcement

In some circumstances, such as for nuisance offenses involving psychiatric crises, individuals in the community can be redirected at the outset, away from incarceration and into community-based mental health and substance use treatment.  Redirection away from the criminal justice system and into the treatment system relies heavily on community partnerships and linkages.

COMCARE actively participates in the Crisis Intervention Team for Wichita and Sedgwick County. The CIT model facilitates community partnerships and equips officers with training and resources needed to effectively respond to and interact with individuals experiencing behavioral crises in the community. SCOAP provides case management and other services to those referred by law enforcement officers.

SCOAP Post-Booking Program

SCOAP provides a post-booking jail alternative program for individuals who have been booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility and who have a diagnosed mental illness. Referrals are made primarily by court and medical staff at the detention facility who are familiar with the individual and recognize the need for mental health assessment and intervention to address factors that contributed to the incarceration.

Mental Health Court

The Mental Health Court (MHC) has a specialized docket, regular judicial supervision, and improves coordination and communication between the mental health system and the criminal justice system. The approach allows for better monitoring of an individual’s compliance to mental health treatment and adherence to court orders. A mental health professional provides assessment and treatment planning. Referrals for the MHC come from the city of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office. SCOAP provides case management and other services to those enrolled in the Mental Health Court.

Crisis Stabilization Unit

A Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is available to address the needs of SCOAP participants experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis. The CSU provides a safe, structured environment for the provision of crisis intervention and crisis stabilization services 24 hours a day. The four-bed facility is located at 1720 E. Morris and includes a living area, dining area, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and laundry facilities.