Coast Forensic Program Purpose

Coast Forensic Program, based on a collaborative relationship between Coast Mental Health Society and the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission (FPSC), is a unique community based mental health residential program that provides psycho-social rehabilitation services to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) clients in their preparation for community living. This is done through promotion of holistic wellness, empowerment, instilling hope and motivation for change, and enhancement of  clients’ personal growth. Our desire is that residents of the Coast Forensic Program will be successful in integrating into community and fully accepted by society in recognition of their personal achievements, the desire to obtain a better quality of life for themselves, and their contributions to the society.

Coast Forensic Cottage Program, operating since April 2003, serves 41 clients residing 12 cottages and 6 clients who reside Forensic Supported Independent (SIL) units in the community. Additionally, the program provides outreach services to former forensic clients who moved out from the program.

Summary of the Key Program Developments 2008-2009

Coast Forensic Cottage Program continues to be a dynamic and continuously evolving transitional program that provides viable services to the mental health forensic client population.

• Clean Start Cottage (concurrent disorders program) continues providing additional support to the clients with significant difficulties created by their drug and alcohol use. Staff and residents implement ongoing adjustments to the program to maximize the effectiveness of the employed approaches.
• 55 Plus Cottage - a long term cottage provides support to the three senior clients who are unable to move out to the community due to the severity of their mental disorder and / or unsuccessful past attempts to reintegrate into community.
• Forensic Supported Independent Living (SIL) Program provides three placements in the Tri-City community. Coast provides rent subsidies and outreach services to the SIL clients who are preparing themselves for an independent living while awaiting an absolute discharge from the forensic system.
• Cottage Training Apartment Program (C-TAP), initiated in October 2008, allows up to three clients to slowly solidify their independent living skills and gain confidence in their abilities necessary for successful permanent transition to the community.
• Outreach services continues to be delivered to all SIL and C-TAP clients as well as to those who already have successfully transitioned to the community. Additionally, “Inreach” program is designed to attract former residents to volunteer and / or provide peer support to the currently residing cottages clients. Former residents are invited as guest speakers to share their community living experience with the current clients.
• Offered by cottages Respite Program allows forensic clients to be referred by Regional Clinics to obtain temporary support in the time of crisis. During the reporting period, six (6) clients were accommodated through respite / emergency admissions.

The program obtained two additional vehicles that allow staff to transport clients to their appointments, do shopping, and to organize group outings. The utilization of the vehicles not only has increased the efficiency of services provided but also decreased mileage cost claimed by staff.

Forensic Cottage Program Client Satisfaction Survey conducted in March 09 revealed a 97% client satisfaction rate (satisfied and extremely satisfied clients). In comparison with the 89% satisfaction rate obtained through the previous survey, an increased level of client satisfaction confirms that the program has been successful in meeting the needs of its clients.

• Over 50% of the residents have been enrolled in the Cottage Supported Work Program and each earn a $50 - $100 monthly honorarium
• Through fundraising efforts by Coast cottages staff and clients, the program obtained nearly $1800 that covered the cost of camping trips, outings and special events for clients.