Criminal Justice Diversion Programs

What is this strategy?

Support pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion programs, or pre-trial service programs, that connect individuals involved or at risk of becoming involved in the justice system to addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, prevention, or other services or supports they need, or that provide any of these services or supports.

Why diversion programs?

Justice diversion programs provide an alternative to incarceration for people with mental health and substance use conditions. These programs are intended to address the health and well-being of individuals instead of punishing them for exhibiting symptoms of their disease. Not only do these programs better serve individuals at risk of incarceration or otherwise becoming involved in the justice system, but they also better serve correctional staff members by more accurately pairing individuals with providers that can meet their unique needs not typically met by carceral settings.

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Featured Resources

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Complete List of Resources

The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments better understand this strategy.
The resources below are organized by level.

Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources | Advanced Resources