Diversion First Program Shares Continued Success with 2023 Annual Report

One in five Americans has a mental illness, and mental illness is not a crime. That’s one of many reasons the county launched Diversion First, a nationally recognized initiative that shows our commitment to crisis intervention, diversion, treatment and recovery.

Below is more about the program and some highlights from the 2023 annual report. 

What is Diversion First?

Diversion First is a continuum of services which offers alternatives to jail for people with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities, who come into contact with the criminal justice system for low-level offenses. It’s a more efficient use of public resources designed to:

• Prevent repeat encounters with the criminal justice system
• Improve public safety
• Promote a healthier community

The goal is to intervene whenever possible to provide assessment, treatment and/or needed supports.

Recent Highlights

Diversion First has resulted in thousands of diversions from potential arrest since its implementation in 2016. This cross-system initiative has several successes. A few examples include:

• Over 80 percent of individuals transported to the Merrifield Crisis Response Center by law enforcement in 2022 did not have a repeat visit related to criminal justice involvement within the following year (these numbers are consistent with the previous year).
• The behavioral health crisis response system has continued to grow, and now includes four Co-Responder teams, a Post Response Team and Behavioral Health Liaisons at the 911 Call Center.
• Specialty court dockets are meeting the unique needs of participants with a new Drug Court track for young adults, a group focusing on the connection between cannabis and psychosis in the Mental Health Docket, and the first graduation in the Veterans Docket Low Risk/High Needs track.
• The Striving to Achieve Recovery (STAR) program in the Adult Detention Center continues to have an impact on individuals focused on recovery. 
• Diversion First Housing’s wraparound services help individuals maintain housing and avoid psychiatric hospitalizations and incarceration.