Innovative Approaches to Diverting Youth with Mental Health Issues from the Juvenile Justice System
Connecticut's innovative approach to diverting youth with mental health issues from the criminal justice system was featured in a recent Route-FIfty news story, "Strained juvenile justice systems get relief from mobile behavioral health programs."
The article highlights how Connecticut's Mobile Crisis Intervention Services and School-Based Diversion Initiative are providing relief to strained systems and giving young people a brighter future.
"Mobile (crisis) services can help state and local leaders support 'better lives and better outcomes.' The rationale is to meet people where they are and to bring treatment to them when and where they need it most."
CHDI serves as the coordinating center and model co-developer for the School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI), which has helped 73 schools in Connecticut reduce arrests and connect students to behavioral health service.
CHDI has also helped Connecticut establish a nationally recognized Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program with strong continuous quality improvement through our work as Connecticut's Mobile Crisis Performance Improvement Center.