Chester County has a community program for adult residents of Chester County who are suffering from a  mental illness and have been arrested on criminal charges that do not involve serious injury to another person.  This program is called ADAPT. It stands for Accelerated Diversion And Progressive Treatment. To be eligible for the ADAPT program, the client may not exhibit violent propensities or otherwise pose a risk to public safety.  The program is designed to provide the client with access to intensive mental health services in lieu of prosecution.

The ADAPT program is a new approach to offenders who are suffering from mental illness.   The ADAPT program provides a community-based alternative to prosecution by partnering with Chester County’s Bail Agency, Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation, District Attorney’s Office, and the Prison System.  These agencies will collaborate to provide treatment, housing, support services, and criminal justice system supervision for each participant.

ADAPT program flyer

The goal of the ADAPT program is to minimize jail time, reduce recidivism, engage the clients in treatment, support long-term recovery, and promote positive behavior and community stability.  Prior to the creation of the ADAPT program, defendants suffering from mental illness that were charged with a crime and could not make bail or were found guilty were placed at the prison.  Since the prison system was not designed to effectively treat inmates suffering from serious mental illnesses, often times the inmate would be released only to be re-arrested and re-incarcerated for similar behaviors.

Applicants to the ADAPT program must agree to participate in a comprehensive mental health assessment and services plan.  In addition, the participant must agree to be supervised by the Bail Agency.  Typically, once approved, the participant will attend mental health therapy and will be assigned a case manager to help with appropriate housing, transportation, employment, and other support needs, including the possibility of medication and psychiatric consultation.

ADAPT Application Form

The participant will earn more independence as he or she progresses through the ADAPT program.  During the program, which can last between a minimum of 18 months and up to 24 months, the participant’s criminal charges will be suspended.  Participants must comply with program conditions, including:

• Regular visits with the Bail Agency;
• Attendance at weekly meetings;
• Have no new offenses;
• Exhibit no evidence of substance abuse;
• Compliance with treatment, including medications;
• Progress towards stable housing;
• Progress towards employment or stable government benefits; and,
• Payment of court costs and restitution.

If the participant graduates from the ADAPT program, he or she will earn a dismissal or reduction of the pending criminal charges.

If  you have any clients that you feel may be eligible for the ADAPT program, you should complete the referral form that can be found on the CCBA website or contact the Chester County Bail Agency (610) 344-6886 or Chester County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation (610) 344-6265.