We work in collaboration with the Governor’s office, state agencies, community partners, and stakeholders to lead and implement robust diversion efforts which to prevent citizens with mental illness from unnecessarily entering or further penetrating the criminal justice system. We have a vested interest in the protection of defendant rights, the efficient delivery of necessary behavioral health services, and public safety. We focus on diversion initiatives around four goals:
-
Preventing individuals with behavioral health issues from recidivism and frequent involvement in the criminal justice system;
-
Reducing the demand for competency services;
-
Reducing long-term incarceration for individuals with behavioral health issues; and
-
Serving defendants in the least restrictive environment possible.
Currently, OFMHS is managing three prosecutorial diversion contracts for fiscal year a2018 in King, Spokane, and the Greater Columbia regions. The purpose of these programs are to divert individuals from the criminal justice system through prosecutorial diversion and receive services in the community.
Furthermore, members of our team serve on the panel to create, review, and provide input on Request for Proposals related to the use of any money collected as a result of being in contempt with the Federal District Court’s order(s) in providing additional diversion services for potential and current Trueblood et al v. DSHS class members.