Diversion First was implemented because...
- Too many people are in jail due to mental health issues. Jail is not the appropriate place to provide mental health treatment.
- There is a need to prevent the incarceration of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- To intervene at the earliest point possible to de-escalate situations and avoid arrest.
- It’s the right thing to do to offer treatment to people who need it, instead of jail being the default solution
- It’s less costly for people to receive treatment instead of spending time in jail
- Treatment offers hope by helping people recover and take control of their lives.
- 1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness. Having a mental illness is not a crime.
- Responding to recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
- The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to support the national Stepping Up initiative to decriminalize mental illness.
The goal is to intercede whenever possible to provide assessment, treatment or needed supports. People needing diversion may also have a substance use disorder, which often co-occurs with mental illness. Diversion First is designed to prevent repeat encounters with the criminal justice system, improve public safety, promote a healthier community and is a more cost effective and efficient use of public funding.
NEW! Read the 2019 Diversion First Annual Report (PDF).
What's New in Diversion First
Fairfax County has been named a Stepping Up Innovator County for its expertise in collecting baseline data on the number of people in its jail who have mental illnesses. Currently, Fairfax County is one of only 17 counties that have been recognized as Innovator Counties. Read more about this distinction.
Articles of Interest:
- County Releases 2019 Diversion First Annual Report
- Stepping Up Month of Action: Reducing the Number of People with Mental Illness in Jail
- Judge Tina Snee Leads New Mental Health Efforts in County Courts
Diversion First Programs and Services
Learn more about the programs and services that help the diversion effort in Fairfax County.
- Crisis Intervention Team Training
- Merrifield Center - Crisis Response Center
- Emergency and Crisis Services
- Striving to Achieve Recovery (STAR) Program
- Jail-Based Behavioral Health Services
- Community Response Team
- Veterans Treatment, Mental Health and Drug Court Specialty Dockets
Need Help?
Do you need help for yourself or someone you know with a mental health issue?
If you are calling 9-1-1 for a mental health crisis or emergency, request a CIT-trained officer to respond.
24-Hour CSB Emergency Services
Phone: 703-573-5679 | TTY: 711
Suicide Prevention - CrisisLink
Anyone can text "CONNECT" to 855-11 or call 703-527-4077
(24 Hours/7 Days a Week)
If it's not an emergency, but you or someone you care about needs mental health or substance use disorder services,
call the CSB Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 or come directly to the Merrifield Center.
Attend a Meeting
Next meeting: September 22, 2020, at 7 pm.
The meeting will be held virtually and can be viewed on Cox (in HD Channel 1016), Verizon and Cox (Channel 16), or live streamed at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/live-video-stream. A call line number will be provided during the meeting for viewer questions.
Learn Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is a public education program offered by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention and save lives.
Attend a training or host a class in your community.
Stay Informed
Learn more about Diversion First in Fairfax County. Our archives and resources page contains presentations, reports, videos and more to help you better understand the benefits of diversion.
Contact Us
Need more information or want to schedule a presentation? Reach out!
Diversion First Program Coordinator
703-324-7088 | TTY 711
DiversionFirst@fairfaxcounty.gov