Programs & Specialty Courts
ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION (ATI)
Practice Areas
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Call: 1-801-532-5444
What is ATI?
Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) is a program that aims to reduce recidivism by connecting clients that are incarcerated to mental health treatment in the community. Chelsea Rowe is the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association ATI Mental Health Liaison who assists eligible clients in making a smooth transition from jail back into the community. ATI Release is typically initiated by a court order releasing the client to the ATI Van for transport to Valley Behavioral Health (VBH) or another Medicaid provider. On the date of transport, the client will complete an assessment and be given a plan to address medications and treatment. ATI will also introduce the client to a case manager who will assist in applying for benefits such as Medicaid, social security, and housing applications. ATI Release can also occur after a client has completed their sentence, if early release is not possible. ATI is not a residential program and does not have housing available, although ATI does coordinate transports with residential mental health treatment providers.
Who is Eligible?
- Clients who reside in Salt Lake County
- Clients identified as seriously and persistently mentally ill based on interview/review of records to be determined by the ATI Liaison
- Clients who are competent to proceed
- Clients committed to engaging in mental health treatment
- Clients who are compliant with medications and stable
- Clients with legally appropriate cases (determined by their attorney)
What are the requirements for a court-ordered ATI Release?
Clients must comply with the following conditions:
- Report to VBH or other Medicaid provider via ATI transport upon release from custody
- Sign a release of information for VBH or other appropriate agency
- Report to VBH or other Medicaid provider and attend treatment as recommended
- Take all medications as prescribed and submit to random drug or alcohol testing as requested
- Report any address or phone number changes to treatment provider within one business day
- No alcohol or drugs
- Comply with other conditions of standard probation as ordered
Where do clients go?
ATI can transport clients to any Medicaid provider for mental health treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, Valley Behavioral Health, VOA Cornerstone, VOA ACT, Fourth Street Clinic, and the Refugee and Immigrant Center-Asian Association of Utah.
When can a client be released to ATI?
ATI Release can happen at any time during the judicial process. Once a client has been approved for ATI and the court order has been signed, the ATI Liaison will coordinate with VBH or another Medicaid provider to schedule an appointment date and time for an intake assessment. The client will be released on the day he/she has an appointment for assessment. If we are unable to engage the client as part of the judicial process, ATI can do time-served pickups at the end of a commitment.
Private Counsel
ATI is in a unique position that enables us to also work with attorneys and clients outside of LDA. If you are a private attorney and have a client that you think might be eligible for ATI release, contact the ATI Mental Health Liaison to have your client screened. It is helpful to provide as much information as you can, but we are primarily looking for what is listed below:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Mental Health Diagnosis
- Where the Client has received Treatment
If your client is appropriate for ATI Release, the ATI Mental Health Liaison will prepare a motion and order for you to file with the court.