Policy Research, Inc

With support from the Langeloth Foundation, Policy Research will adapt and demonstrate how the SOAR model can increase access to SSI and Medicaid for persons with disabilities (particularly mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders) who are being released from prisons and jails in New Jersey. The objectives are to: (1) produce data showing that using the SOAR approach modified for use in jails and prisons can increase access to SSI and Medicaid; and (2) produce and disseminate a summary report on the modifications and best practices for implementing SSI/Medicaid outreach in jails and prisons.　 Results from the implementation and outcome evaluation will be used to develop products and tools to engage prison and jail system administrators in other states to implement the SOAR approach when designing reentry and diversion programs. By providing access to income, medication, health care and increased access to housing, SOAR stands to significantly reverse trends toward homelessness, poor health outcomes and recidivism among disabled inmates released from prison and jail.