California taps Maximus for diversion program

Maximus Inc. has won a five-year, $8.7 million contract from the California Department of Consumer Affairs to manage a chemical dependency and mental illness monitoring and referral program, the company announced today.

Under the contract, Maximus of Reston, Va., will provide case management, education and outreach for diversion program participants during their recovery as well as serve as a liaison with the board or committee to which participants are affiliated. To provide these services, Maximus will use a diversion-dedicated team, which will be supported by a sophisticated case management system.

Diversion programs seek to redirect individuals away from harmful behavior or assist them in coping with mental illness conditions.

The Department of Consumer Affairs diversion program is a statewide, confidential monitoring and referral program. Participation in the program may either be on a voluntary or mandatory basis.

The new project builds on Maximus' experience as the prime contractor for the Social Security Administration's Referral and Monitoring Agency program. Through the program, Maximus gained an appreciation for working with individuals with alcohol and drug addiction issues and built a reputation as a management contractor capable of managing programs serving disabled beneficiaries.

Maximus provides state and local government with program management, consulting and information technology services. The company has more than 5,500 employees and annual sales of $558 million, according to Hoover's Online of Austin, Texas.