The Forensic Intervention and Re-Entry Services Team (FIRST) serves adults with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system in Leon and Gadsden Counties. Without intervention, many would face commitment to a forensic state hospital. FIRST is available at all stages — pending proceedings, incarceration, mental health pre-trial release, probation and conditional release.
FIRST diverts individuals from detention facilities to community services and addresses barriers to successful supervision that often lead to re-arrest like unstable housing, loss of benefits and lack of job readiness. FIRST also offers a forensic day services program.
Eligibility
Individuals who qualify are on mental health pre-trial release, mental health probation, conditional release or are currently incarcerated and:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a primary mental health diagnosis
- Reside in Leon or Gadsden Counties
- Have a pending felony or misdemeanor case and/or need competency restoration or are at risk for forensic commitment
Individuals participating in day services must also:
- Be capable of participation in group and individual programming
- Be free of chronic inappropriate behaviors that disrupt the program, cause harm to themself or others
- Not be registered sex offenders or charged with a sexual offense