Behavioral Health Assistance Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Behavioral Health Assistance Program (BHAP) is a jail re-entry program in Boulder County’s Community Services Department, within the Community Justice Services Division. BHAP began in 2019 as a jail re-entry program aimed at supporting individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. In 2021, BHAP received continued funding from two federal grants through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to expand services in system gaps. BHAP expanded to have a mental health track and a substance use track. Both tracks provide long-term, community-based support services through intensive case management, mental health treatment, peer support, and medication access. These services are provided through a partnership between BHAP and Mental Health Partners (MHP). MHP staff are embedded within the BHAP team and work directly with BHAP clients; MHP medical team provides access to psychiatric and medication assisted treatment services. BHAP case managers support clients for up to one year after their release from the jail with the goal of increasing stability factors and reducing recidivism.