Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Services

Program Summary: The Howard County Health Department provides the Treatment Specialist for the Howard County Recovery Court team. The treatment specialist provides case management services, including: contacting treatment providers for client progress reports and coordinating treatment. The treatment specialist also assesses clients and refers them to the appropriate providers for needed services.

Program Summary: Provides substance use disorder treatment services within the Howard County Detention Center. Services include: assessments; group and individual counseling; medication assisted treatment (suboxone; methadone; vivitrol); case management and referral services; support groups (AA/NA; Celebrate Recovery); and peer support services.

Program Summary: Provides substance use disorder and mental health screenings within the Howard County District Court. Clients are court referred or referred from the Office of Parole and Probation. Based on the screenings, individuals can be referred and scheduled evaluations by the Behavioral Health Court Liaison. They also provide follow up to see if the client attended their appointment and will notify the referral source of attendance.

The LEAD program is a public health and safety initiative being carried out in partnership with multiple Howard County stakeholders. The goals of the program are to:

1. to recognize and treat substance use and behavioral health as a public health issue and to address social service needs
2. to reduce crime and recidivism
3. to reduce the cost of the criminal justice system by providing support services instead of being criminally processed
4. to improve community and police relations and
5. to reduce overdose deaths in Howard County.

LEAD offers the police an alternative to arresting and charging for crimes that are committed due to unmet behavioral health needs and poverty. Instead of the usual criminal justice response, police officers can offer the LEAD program for minor eligible offenses. A Case Manager will then meet with the individual to determine their needs and offer support. Services can include: peer support; referrals for MH/SUD services; referrals to workforce development; and referrals for any identified needed services.

For more information, email BHLEAD@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6202.

LEAD Brochure

LEAD Brochure (Spanish)

LEAD Brochure (Korean)

LEAD Program Community Flier

LEAD Pocket Sheet

Joint Community Advisory Board Info Sheet