In spring 2008, the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, chiefs of police, the Butler County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Office, the Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center, Butler Memorial Hospital, and the Center for Community Resources began developing a Crisis Diversion Program.

As the first step in the sequential intercept model adopted by Butler County, the Crisis Diversion Program is an effort to divert individuals who are experiencing a crisis in their lives from psychiatric inpatient care or incarceration. This respite and diversion program is a voluntary service offered to these individuals after being assessed by the Crisis Intervention Service of the Center for Community Resources.

The program provides 24-hour support and streamlined access to outpatient mental health and substance abuse services.

This program was the result of increasing awareness of the need to intervene in crisis situations as quickly as possible and to achieve resolution so as to avoid involuntary detention of individuals.

As indicated by Chief Tim Fennell of the Butler police, situations occur in which his officers have limited options when, for example, an individual displays inappropriate behavior, infringing on the rights of others or violates the law without apparent criminal intent but rather the result of confused or disorganized thoughts. This could occur due to an acute exacerbation of mental illness or substance abuse issues.

If there is no apparent danger to self or others, the Crisis Diversion Program could provide the needed option.

Placement into this service would require the individual to agree with the recommendation, be 18 years of age or older, be medically stable, and present no risk to self or others.

Referrals to the Crisis Diversion Service would be assessed by the Crisis Intervention Service of the Center for Community Resources. Agents of referral would include police departments, medical facilities, social service agencies, the criminal justice system and individuals.

Once accepted into the service, on-site staff will orient the individual to the program; expedite psychiatric assessment and the involvement in mental health or substance abuse services, if indicated; provide support; assist in accessing community supports; and provide for food, clothing, and shelter.

The Crisis Diversion Program is a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization or incarceration.

This article was submitted by the Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center.