A few months ago, Sheriff Tommy Ford decided to approach the problem of addiction and mental health from a different perspective. How could the BCSO offer help to those who suffer from addiction issues or mental health conditions that have caused them to come to the attention of law enforcement? Sheriff Ford spoke to experts working for the Northwest Florida Healthcare Network. Out of that meeting came the new Care Coordinator positions at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Meeting Goals
Audrey Corley is a Care Coordinator for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Audrey works at the Bay County Jail with inmates as they reenter our community. She has a BA in psychology with a minor in forensic studies from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree in criminology from Florida State University. Audrey works with inmates that have mental health or substance abuse disorders to connect them to resources to help them succeed upon release from incarceration. Her goal is for the individual to go back into the community with the tools and resources to succeed and not re-offend.
“Individuals often want help,” Audrey says. “But they do not know where to begin or think it’s just not possible to receive treatment, find support, or meet their goals.”
Audrey works hard to introduce inmates to community resources that exist to help them achieve their goal: to become a contributing member of their community.
A Life Of Service
“I want to help where I am needed.” These words define the life of Rick Everett, another one of the Care Coordinators at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Rick has a degree in Social Rehabilitation, with minors in Psychology and Physical Education. His MA is in guidance and counseling. Rick brings a wealth of experience to the BCSO, having served communities in Florida and Alabama in Children’s Homes, Community Centers, Schools, Residential Homes, and Detention Centers. He was the first Juvenile Probation officer in Dale County, Alabama.
By developing the Care Coordinator program, Sheriff Ford has initiated one more way the BCSO can serve the people of Bay County. This program was made possible by a grant through the Northwest Florida Healthcare Network.
