You can engage clients in behavioral health treatment through jail diversion. The process began because of frustration that jails do not have the resources to serve nonviolent people who need help. The program is designed to make it easier for clients to share their experiences and receive treatment. However, this approach has drawbacks. Among these drawbacks is the need for law enforcement officers to travel long distances to drop off clients at crisis centers.
Different models have different levels of law enforcement involvement. Some programs engage law enforcement to get more information about clients and behaviors. Others continue to involve law enforcement and provide updates and resources. The OCHN, for instance, gives regular updates and has gained the trust of law enforcement officers. While the OCHN program was not a formal diversion, it provided law enforcement with valuable insights into a client’s behavior.
