diversion programs
adult diversion offers treatment rather than incarceration to individuals with a mental health diagnosis who are charged with a criminal offense. successful participants avoid conviction, receive reduced or time served, and the record is sealed to prevent future privacy issues. instead of the criminal justice system, individuals enter care to address underlying mental health diagnoses.
diversion programs significantly improve individual outcomes by meeting clinical needs. successful programs reduce the need for public assistance, crime rate, drug use, suicide, homelessness, etc.
successful diversion programs require:
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collaboration between public and private sectors
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step down care to address the spectrum of need including crisis/intake, inpatient, residential, partial outpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment
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resource backed continuing care
references:
"The Arkansas State Legislature in recent years has appropriated in excess of $10 million per year for County Jail Reimbursement" which "has been historically insufficient by several million dollars" and does not include State Prison Facilities.
AR distric court diversion roadmap (winthrop rockafeller institute):
in pope co:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/popecountymajority/posts/1488486875105698/
in ft smith:
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jan/04/program-tackles-recidivism/
private equity diversion program in PA:
https://blueprintsrecovery.com/
private equity diversion program in newport beach, CA: https://nsightrecovery.com/
