Our Serial Inebriate Program (SIP) was developed in partnership with law enforcement, emergency medical services, hospitals, and the courts. SIP provides a unique and cost-effective solution to the unsuccessful “revolving door” practices commonly used to deal with the often challenging and under-served population of chronic homeless alcoholics. Offering individuals deemed chronic inebriates treatment in lieu of custody, SIP provides intensive case management and access to services needed to achieve financial stability and long-term recovery.

Program Services

SIP’s continuum of care provides the following:

Intensive case management
Treatment and recovery services
Housing support and services
Additional support services that include: mental health, medical home, transportation, education, employment and job training

Eligibility Requirements

SIP serves chronic homeless inebriates who are offered treatment in lieu of custody through a court order. An individual is identified as a “chronic” inebriate by Inebriate Reception Center (IRC) staff after accumulating five transports to the IRC within 30 days. Following this classification, the person is placed in custody for the crime of Public Intoxication and is assessed for SIP eligibility.

Referrals

The San Diego Police Department Liaison Officer notifies the SIP case manager of clients who have been referred by the courts for admission to the Serial Inebriate Program. Often in-custody assessments are done prior to a client completing a plea and the case manager notifies the courts of the client’s eligibility for services.

More Information

To learn more information about SIP, please call (619) 523-8121.

Click here to download our brochure

MHS | Mental Health Systems

Improving Lives

Serial Inebriate Program (SIP)