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The Hamilton County Jail Counseling Section has one Masters Level Counselor who also serves as the Inmate Programs Supervisor. A Bachelors Level
Case Manager from Joseph Johnson Mental Health Center is assigned to the jail to work with the Inmate Mental Health population.
The Counselor’s primary function is that of an advisor, one who advises inmates regarding education and occupation alternatives, personal
problems, and questions regarding the judicial system.
The Counselor conducts and supervises the counseling of inmates and all programs within the facility that further the positive social interaction
of inmates.
On-site Mental Health Services were implemented in September 1999 and provides case management and psychiatric services to persons with severe
and persistent mental illnesses. The Case Manager is responsible for assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, and community linkage and
after care planning, and staff mental health/suicide identification and intervention training. A psychiatrist is provided by Fortwood Mental
Health Center for three hours a week, providing medication evaluations and consultation with the jail’s medical clinic staff. This pilot program
is a joint venture between Joseph Johnson Mental Health and Fortwood Mental Health Centers. Upon release, inmates who are currently receiving
services are linked with an after-care appointment to either center for continuity of care.
The following programs are provided for inmates incarcerated at the Hamilton County Jail:
- Adult Basic Education. Provides inmates education in basic education skills and preparation for taking the General Education Test.
- Juvenile Basic Study. Provides classes in basic education skills for juveniles incarcerated as adult offenders.
- Alcohol and Drug Education. Examines the stages of the addiction process, assists the inmates in identifying their disorders and
provides information regarding relapse prevention.
- Individual Bible Study. In depth study of the bible on an individual basis.
- Discipleship Bible Study. A six-week bible study class, which affords the inmate an opportunity to learn more about religion in
a group setting.
- Life Skills. Teaches inmates the social skills they will need for success in their personal lives and on the job.
- Muslim Studies. A study of Islam.
- Religious Services. A variety of non-denominational worship services and religious studies provided by Chattanooga Prison Ministries
and numerous volunteers.
- Anger Management. Helps inmates deal with anger, explores feelings, reviews guidelines for the appropriate expression of feelings
and learn survival skills for handling emotionally violent environments.
- Endeavors Program. Endeavors is a post release option for ex-offenders in the Hamilton County area who are unemployed or
underemployed and at risk of committing new crimes as a result. The specific goal of this program is to enable ex-offenders to support
themselves by legal means by providing employment opportunities through job training and job placement services. Endeavors also assists its
participants to remain on the job and to increase their earnings by an after care program of counseling, education, and supplemental
training.
- Fathers Class. A practical guide for parents and other child caregivers that offer child-rearing information that emphasizes
building strong families.
- Mental Health Stress Management Class. Assists mental health consumers in recognizing stress, how it affects your activities
of daily living, ways to decrease stress, stress test, and a checklist for handling stress.
Kevin Matthews
Programs Director
601 Walnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 209-7096
Fax: (423) 209-7134
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