Department: Office of the County Executive Sponsors:
Category: Report
Effective jail diversion for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders and co-occurring (mental illness and substance use) conditions, relies on fully understanding the Behavioral Health Services system and the many stakeholders collaborating with criminal justice system leaders. The impact of jail diversion programs largely depends on the availability of effective mental health and substance use treatment services at the community level. Furthermore, it is important to establish guidelines for enrollment of clients; engagement and screening; and assessment of individuals referred to new diversion programs. A short-term goal of the County’s Jail Diversion program is to reduce the number of clients/inmates on the Jail Assessment Coordination (JAC) list, which ranges from 80-100 individuals daily with a goal of eliminating incarceration of individuals who are held only because adequate residential and outpatient services are not available.