Image

The ‘Brown Paper Bag’ was first used by The Department of Community Rehabilitation (DCR) in 2010 to help assist those with mental health issues who are before the Mental Health Court by providing an incentive. Due to lack of funding and resources at times, DCR hasn't always been able to provide the incentive and thus the Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman (RCGC) has agreed to take over and continue this initiative.

 

The Mental Health Court was implemented in 2009 in response to the overwhelming numbers of persons with mental illnesses appearing before the criminal justice system. As with any Court setting and rehabilitative process, it is imperative that the offender receives acknowledgement and recognition when they are doing well and is held accountable when they are not. Treatment has proven to be more effective and efficient when emphasis is on rewarding and praising persons for achievements.

The 'Brown Paper Bag' contains a packed lunch that includes a sandwich, fruit, chips, cookies and a drink. In the case where a client is compliant with the Court’s requests, they will also be presented with an additional reward such as a movie or hair cut voucher. This additional reward, as well as positive acknowledgement will be presented by the Magistrate. The brown paper bag is intended to not only provide an incentive to these clients but to provide them with at least one solid meal for the day. When presented to the clients it is well received as it may sadly be their only meal for the day. RCGC looks forward to continuing this project for years to come and thanks Walkers for their generous support for the project this year.