Key Features

The fundamental principle on which all jail diversion programs should be based is treatment as the least restrictive alternative. While the goal of a diversion program should be to reduce or eliminate the amount of time an individual is incarcerated, it must be kept in mind that most diversion programs include some level of community supervision under the auspices of court supervision, community corrections, or civil mental health statutes. The rights of the individuals must always be respected and treatment should be the least restrictive option.

There are six key features that have emerged as essential for creating a successful jail diversion program (Steadman et al., 1995). These elements are crucial in linking the criminal justice and community treatment systems:

1. Interagency collaboration: Service integration at the community level, including involvement of social services, housing, mental health, health, local corrections (institutional and community), criminal justice and substance abuse agencies.
2. Active involvement: Regular meetings for service coordination and information sharing and the establishment of written Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
3. “Boundary-spanner”: Staff who bridge the mental health, criminal justice, and substance abuse systems and manage cross-system staff interactions.
4. Leadership: A strong leader to network and coordinate.
5. Early identification: Individuals should be screened, at the earliest point possible, for mental health treatment needs and to determine whether they meet the criteria for diversion.
6. Cross-trained case managers: Case managers should have adequate knowledge and experience with mental health and criminal justice systems.