Yesterday (December 10, 2018) the New Castle County Division of Police received the Joseph R. “Beau” Biden Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award. 

New Castle County Division of Police established a program with Connections teaming a Police Officer with a Mental Health professional.
This program has provided services for people who suffer from mental health illnesses as well as their families.

New Castle County Division of Police Colonel Bond addresses the Criminal Justice Council.

“I am extremely grateful for the partnership with Connections as we’ve shown this to be an excellent model that can transform the lives of those suffering from mental illness.  We look forward to expanding this program to reach and help others who are in need. This program is consistent with the spirit of Beau Biden which is quite simple… do all that you can do to help others.” , stated Colonel Vaughn M. Bond, Jr.

The Police Connections Alliance team started on 02/27/2018 and since then, they assessed  543 individuals with mental illness (MI) or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse (CMISA) disorders. Together 54 individuals were diverted away from incarceration, 287 were referred to additional services, and 101 individuals were followed up with, via phone or in person on a regular basis.

From left to right: Connections Chief Operating Officer Chris Devaney, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, New Castle County Division of Police Colonel Bond, Captain Treadwell, Officer First Class Kearns, Lisa Shaffer LPCMH, Sara Marotta MA MHC, and New Castle County Grant Coordinator Lori Kane.

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