Forensic Behavioral Health Services
Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC) provides a full range of forensic behavioral health services to individuals involved with the criminal justice system who require mental health care, treatment coordination, and structured support for successful community reintegration.
Our services are designed to enhance public safety and promote individual recovery by offering structured, community-based alternatives to incarceration or long-term hospitalization.
Multidisciplinary Forensic Teams (MFT)
MHRC operates two MFT teams serving up to 90 individuals across Duval and surrounding counties. The MFT program focuses on:
- Diverting individuals from State Forensic Mental Health Treatment Facilities (SMHTFs) and residential forensic programs
- Providing or coordinating treatment, rehabilitation, and community supports
Services Include
- Psychiatric care, counseling, substance abuse treatment
- Case management, housing, and entitlement assistance
- Monitoring forensic jurisdiction compliance
- Court reporting and conditional release planning
- Competency restoration training
- 24/7 crisis support through an on-call mental health professional
Eligibility
- Individuals deemed Incompetent to Proceed (ITP) or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI) under Chapter 916, F.S.
- Individuals with serious mental illness referred pre-adjudication by law enforcement, courts, attorneys, or the Managing Entity
Forensic Case Management
Specialized case management services for individuals:
- Committed to DCF-SAMH under Chapter 916, F.S.
- Living in the community under a conditional release plan or committed to a state forensic or civil step-down facility
Services Include
- Development and monitoring of conditional release plans
- Court reporting and hearing attendance
- Quarterly face-to-face visits for individuals in forensic facilities
- Coordination of aftercare, housing, and treatment placement
- Competency restoration training when ordered
Conditional release plans ensure individuals receive the supervision, treatment, and support needed to safely live in the community.
Liaison Services
Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC) provides specialized liaison services to coordinate care and support for individuals transitioning between state hospitals, forensic facilities, and the community.
All liaison services are provided in partnership with LSF Health Systems, LLC and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.
State Hospital Liaison Services
MHRC serves as a community liaison for individuals from Circuit 4 (Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties) residing at Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH).
Services Include
- Monitoring all adult Circuit 4 forensic admissions
- Coordinating diversions when appropriate
- Maintaining databases tracking status and movements of forensic defendants
- Collaborating with the Circuit’s SAMH Forensic Coordinator and other stakeholders
- Serving as the primary point of contact for Duval County forensic matters with forensic and civil treatment facilities, courts, crisis units, and community providers
- Supporting timely resolution of “Five-Year Incompetent to Proceed” cases
Forensic Liaison Services
MHRC provides forensic liaison services for Duval County residents committed under Chapter 916, Florida Statutes, and residing in state forensic facilities.
Services Include
- Monitoring all adult Circuit 4 forensic admissions
- Coordinating diversions when appropriate
- Maintaining databases tracking status and movements of forensic defendants
- Collaborating with the Circuit’s SAMH Forensic Coordinator and other stakeholders
- Serving as the primary point of contact for Duval County forensic matters with forensic and civil treatment facilities, courts, crisis units, and community providers
- Supporting timely resolution of “Five-Year Incompetent to Proceed” cases
Department of Corrections Liaison Services
MHRC coordinates care for individuals with mental illness being released from the Florida Department of Corrections and returning to Duval County.
Services Focus On
- Planning for continuity of care prior to release
- Ensuring individuals are linked to mental health services and supports upon reentry into the community
Jail-Based Diversion Services
Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC) operates Jail-Based Diversion Services at the Duval County Pretrial Detention Facility to support individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system.
Program Overview
The primary goal of Jail-Based Diversion Services is to divert individuals with mental illness from incarceration into appropriate mental health treatment in the community.
Key Functions Include
- Identifying individuals appropriate for diversion while housed at the Duval County Pretrial Detention Facility
- Facilitating linkages to outpatient mental health services, psychiatric care, and supportive resources
- Enhancing communication between community mental health providers and jail medical/mental health staff
- Promoting continuity of care and appropriate treatment connections upon release
This approach helps reduce recidivism, supports individual recovery, and promotes more effective use of community mental health resources.
Mental Health Court
MHRC participates in the Duval County Mental Health Court for individuals with serious mental illnesses charged with non-violent offenses.
Services Include
- Screening, assessment, and treatment referrals
- Development of individualized recovery plans
- Case management and progress reporting to the court
- Court appearances and advocacy to support treatment over incarceration
Successful participation may result in reduced legal consequences, including case dismissal, reduced sentencing, or probation completion.
The goal is to promote recovery and reduce recidivism through coordinated treatment and support.
Program Location and Contact Information:
All forensic services are provided in partnership with LSF Health Systems, LLC and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.