Have you ever wondered why there are people who have repeatedly been arrested for the same crimes? The staff of the Justice Services Department have looked at the issue, and decided to see how they could help. The staff partnered with RHA Health Services to develop a Familiar Faces Task Force that works inside the Buncombe County Detention Facility in collaboration with the Detention Facilities’ staff and representatives from a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health, housing, criminal justice, and other community agencies who are working together to address specific level of care needs of individuals with complex chronic health conditions including histories of trauma, substance use disorders, mental illness, and chronic homelessness.
Over the course of the previous year, the Familiar Faces Task Force has actively worked to reduce recidivism, improve quality of care and quality of life for participants, and reduce unnecessary system costs. Based upon a recent study of the total number of arrests of individuals who were deemed, “Familiar Faces,” the task force was able show that there was a “70% reduction in arrests three (3) months following program screening,”[1]and participation in the coordinated support services of program participants, the study furthered indicated that there was a “64% reduction in arrests six (6) months following program screening.”1 The study also was able to conclusive show that individuals who completed a program screening and participated in the coordinated support services experienced a “54% reduction in arrests twelve (12) months following the initial program screening.” 1
One of the essential elements that have assisted in helping the Familiar Faces Task Force to be successful is humanizing the individuals who were identified. Individuals who participated in the program receive personalized care. Dorothy Williams*cycled in and out of the Buncombe County’s Detention Facility for several years due to charges related to homelessness and substance use. She had unaddressed mental health issues and lacked access to appropriate care. Dorothy Williams had a difficult time trusting staff within the criminal justice system, and she would often disrupt chances of receiving assistance.
RHA’s staff members met with Dorothy Williams to talk about her needs. During their meetings they began to develop a plan for Dorothy Williams. They connected her with the appropriate community-based service providers and linked her to an assisted living home, and slowly, Dorothy Williams was able to begin to rebuild her life. Since beginning her meetings with RHA’s staff, Dorothy Williams has a treatment plan, attended her most recent court dates where she had charges dismissed for her participation in her own success, and she has begun taking classes to obtain becoming a CNA.
Dorothy Williams’ success is due in part to members of the Familiar Faces Task Force including members of Justice Services, Public Defenders Office, RHA CCM, and other community-based service providers coming together and providing the best possible resources tailored specifically to her needs.
*The name of the client has been changed to protect her privacy.
[1]Crayton, L. February 2024. Buncombe County Justice Services Department’s Familiar Faces Program Update