Justice Related Diversion Services

412-350-7337

Justice Related Diversion Services are an array of supports to assist persons with mental illness and/or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder who encounter the criminal justice system.

Justice Related Diversion Services include:

• Coordination of services through the Service Coordination Units and other agencies for individuals released from the Allegheny County Jail prior to or at the preliminary hearing.
• Development and presentation an appropriate service plan to the District Courts. The service plan includes housing, treatment services, and linkage with community supports and case management.
• Ensuring a smooth transition into the community by working in collaboration with the Allegheny County Jail, District Courts, Behavioral Health Service Coordination Units and other community providers.
• Providing written referrals to the Justice Related Support Services or Mental Health Court for individuals whose charges are held for trial or waived to trial from the preliminary hearing.
• Providing contingency funds for basic items during early transition into the community.

Justice Related Diversion Services Staff also:

• Provide behavioral health coverage at the Allegheny County lock-up/jail intake area.
• Can authorize justice-related involuntary (302) and emergency hospital commitments with 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week office coverage.
• Coordinate all mental health treatment commitments for the justice-related population.