The photo captures a large group of approximately 50 individuals standing together in a unified formation. They are positioned in front of a projector screen displaying the words "Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping Workshop." The gathering signifies a collective effort to understand and apply the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) through mapping strategies. The image conveys a sense of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and active participation in the workshop.
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Texas Counties Identify Opportunities to Improve Outcomes for People with Mental Illness

December 30, 2022
Catherine Bialick & UT-TIEMH

Texas Counties Convene Local Stakeholders to Identify Opportunities to Improve Outcomes for People with Mental Illness

2022 Sequential Intercept Model Mapping: Year in Review

The Office of Forensic Coordination (OFC), on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, has adopted the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) as a strategic planning tool for the state and counties across Texas. In 2022, the OFC partnered with local behavioral health and justice system stakeholders to facilitate ten SIM Mapping workshops for 15 counties result in positive changes across the state.

The SIM is a strategic planning tool that developed by PRA to help communities understand how people with mental illness (MI), substance use disorders (SUD), and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) encounter and move through the criminal justice system. Specifically, the SIM helps communities identify resources and gaps in services at each intercept and develop local strategic action plans.

2022 SIM Workshop Snapshot

Following SIM Workshops the OFC conducts 6-month follow up assessments and technical assistance calls with county Behavioral Health Leadership Teams to learn about progress made on priorities identified during the workshop.

Counties mapped in 2022 have:

  • Secured county funding and allocated ARPA and block grant funds to support the development of diversion centers, create new mental health officer positions, and embed clinicians in 911 centers to support crisis call diversion.

  • Developed new community partnerships and have worked with their local mental health authorities to provide additional education and training to stakeholders to support SIM priorities.

  • Identified opportunities to leverage existing resources to expand local crisis continuums through enhancements to Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams and the development of low barrier-drop off facilities.

  • Established and/or revitalized Behavioral Health Leadership Teams.

  • Further engaged with HHSC to identify strategies to manage the Forensic Waitlist through Eliminate the Wait Regional Forums and the Jail In-Reach Learning Collaborative.

The OFC developed a 2022 Year in Review Brief to outline key trends in gaps, opportunities and priorities identified through SIM Mapping Workshops. Click here for more information on SIM Mapping Workshops and to review reports developed by 2022 mapped communities.

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