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Page 9 of 28 <br />These individuals frequently experience chronic, co-occurring health conditions, mental health issues, <br />substance use disorders, and histories of trauma. The City of Everett recognizes that competency <br />diversion is a critical tool to help these individuals navigate the court system, recover from behavioral <br />health struggles, improve overall health and wellness, and reduce future interactions with the criminal <br />justice system. <br />2.3 HIGHLIGHTS OF SERVICE <br />The City of Everett’s Competency Diversion Program will offer forensic case management to unsheltered <br />individuals or frequent utilizers of public safety and judicial systems. This will be achieved by coordinating <br />care, advocating for the best options, and providing necessary support. Additionally, the program will <br />employ intervention specialists to assist those who do not regularly engage in case management and <br />frequently interact with the jail system. These intervention specialists will assess and address the needs of <br />repeatedly incarcerated individuals. <br /> <br />The program’s primary goals are to increase service connections, reduce 911 service calls, support the <br />courts, and lessen the community impacts caused by individuals facing behavioral health competency <br />challenges. By providing direct case management and other essential services, the City of Everett aims to <br />assist individuals caught in the criminal justice cycle further. <br /> <br />This program is designed to help clients develop the skills needed to address their challenges, secure long- <br />term housing, and access treatment and healthcare services. Additionally, program staff will serve as the <br />liaison between clients and their professional support networks, helping to navigate the barriers that <br />hinder progress. Through a high level of support, staff will promote overall recovery from behavioral <br />health issues, crises, or homelessness. <br />2.4 PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS <br />The program is expected to serve fifteen (15) to thirty (30) individuals annually, with case management <br />lasting from 90 days to 12 months. Cases may be extended or reopened based on individual needs. Cases <br />should be closed after 90 days of no contact or if the client cannot be located. The case may also be <br />closed if a client is highly engaged, well-connected with other service providers, and stabilized. All case <br />decisions will be made in collaboration with the City of Everett's Community Support Team and, when <br />necessary, a Prosecuting Attorney Representative. Clients will be identified through a referral system, <br />with referrals from the City of Everett's Community Support Team, City Prosecutors, or other agencies <br />serving the Everett Municipal Court System. <br />The Competency Diversion Program will offer long-term care coordination, case management, peer <br />support, and access to essential services, including mental health care. Once a referral is received, the <br />contractor is expected to engage with the individual within 72 hours, making consistent and varied efforts <br />to reach them in the community. Program staff will ensure that individuals receive appropriate, <br />community-based care and treatment. <br />Examples of expected work with clients: <br /> Obtaining essential identifying documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and Washington <br />State identification. <br /> Establishing income, including assistance with Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) benefits, Social Security, <br />and opening bank accounts. <br />Exhibit C