How can I get referred to CATS?  Inmates can send a “kite” requesting services, or requests can come from the Judge, Probation Officer or inmate’s attorney, as part of the inmate’s sentencing.  Referrals can also come from family and friends calling the program or CATS Emergency Services staff.

How long is the CATS program?  CATS treatment is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client and length varies depending on the length of the individual's sentence and therapy groups they attend.

What is CATS “Emergency Services”?  Emergency Services (ES) staff are available for those inmates who are identified as being “at risk” of self harm and those who appear to need closer monitoring.  These staff work closely with Crisis Services staff at CMHA-CEI, for those needing further evaluation and possible hospitalization for safety reasons.

Who identifies inmates needing ES referrals and monitoring?  Referrals can come from family, friends, courts, Probation Officers, attorneys, other inmates, CMHA-CEI staff, ICJ staff and other sources in the community who have knowledge of previous or current self-harm and mental health issues.

How does an inmate get referred to CATS ES?  Inmates are referred through phone calls, kites, verbally from CMHA-CEI or ICJ staff or through ICJ incident reports that may identify mental health concerns.

How long does it take to be evaluated by CATS ES staff?  CATS ES staff see inmates within 24 hours of the initial referral, to evaluate for suicide risk, and then determine how often, if at all, they need to continue to monitor the inmate to keep them housed safely (exception:  weekends & holidays).