Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

To divert people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, who have been accused of nonviolent offenses, into effective treatment programs rather than incarceration.

Policy Options / Model Programs   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

• System of Care Models: Sequential, Parallel, and Integrated

• Sequential system of care model - treatment for substance abuse followed by mental illness treatment or vice versa.

• Parallel system of care model - treatment for mental illness and substance abuse that takes place simultaneously but in different venues, by different treatment providers.

• Integrated system of care model - allows for treatment for mental illness and substance abuse that takes place simultaneously in one venue. 

• Evidence shows that integrated systems of care are the most effective of the three care models.

  An example of an integrated system of care model is:
• CCISC Model- Comprehensive, Continuous, Integrated System of Care Model^[1]:  The Comprehensive, Continuous, Integrated, System of Care (CCISC) model for organizing services for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance disorders (ICOPSD) is designed to improve treatment capacity for these individuals in systems of any size and complexity, ranging from entire states, to regions or counties, networks of agencies, individual complex agencies, or even programs within agencies. The model has the following four basic characteristics:
• System Level Change
• Efficient use of Existing Resources
• Incorporation of Best Practices
• Integrated Treatment Philosophy

• Lane County (Eugene, OR) is one of the nine sites funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (KDA) Initiative. This partnership between the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is a study of jail diversion programs that serve individuals with  co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The sites were funded to evaluate the effectiveness of diverting nonviolent, low-level offenders with with co-occuring mental health and substance use disorders from the criminal justice system. The goal of this initiative is to determine what types of diversion programs work, for whom, and under what circumstances.^[2]

• A statewide policy for juvenile diversions would be a  better alternative than leaving the diversion programs in the hands of the different District Attorneys, Case managers and judges of an area. There are statutes already in place with no set policies. Set assessments, speedier trials, and set protocol for handling different juvenile cases, each with their own criteria. There are several suggested models for how to set this up. The Models for Change Juvenile Diversion Guidebook is one recommended avenue.^[3] This Guidebook uses 16 steps to design a uniform Diversion program, which could take state statutes and create a statewide diversion program. 
• GAINS Center in Delmar, NY:  The GAINS Center's primary focus is on expanding access to community based services for adults diagnosed with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders at all points of contact with the justice system. The Center emphasizes the provision of consultation and technical assistance to help communities achieve integrated systems of mental health and substance abuse services for individuals in contact with the justice system.  

Local, State, and National Information   issue briefs on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Jail Diversion for People with Co-occurring Disorders - USA

• Jail Diversion for people with Co-occurring Disorders - Kansas 

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

• COD (Co-Occuring Disorders): is defined in the mental health and substance abuse treatment communities as meaning that a person suffers simultaneously from mental health and substance use disorders; people who are simultaneously suffering from mental illnesses and substance abuse or addiction. COD is also sometimes referred to as "Dual Disorders", although people often are addicted to more than one substance and may also suffer from more than one mental health disorder; therefore "dual", implying two, was found to be sometimes misleading. (In the medical and other communities, the term "co-occurring disorders" may refer to other types of medical conditions occurring simultaneously.)

• Substance Use Disorders (SUD): general term used to cover both substance abuse and chemical dependency (addiction) which are two separate diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) by the American Psychiatric Association. ^[4]

• Substance Abuse: a pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, meeting certain criteria as outlined in the DSM-IV-TR, and the symptoms have never met the criteria for substance dependence.^[5]

• Substance Dependence: a pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, meeting certain criteria as outlined in the DSM-IV-TR that often include: repeated attempts to stop using without success, increasing tolerance for the substance, psychological and/or physical withdrawal, and /or other symptomology. ^[6]

• Adjudicated: a legal process that aims to expedite the delivery of resolutions or punishments to squabbling parties.

          ^[7] 

• Diversion -  a system for giving a second chance to a first-time criminal accused of lesser crimes. Rather than serve jail-time, those convicted are able to perform community service, make restitution for damage caused by the crime, obtain treatment for alcohol or drug problems, or undergo counseling for antisocial or mentally unstable conduct. If the defendant cooperates and the diversion results in progress, the charges eventually may be dismissed. Diversion is usually a one-shot deal, typically not granted for a second offense.^[8]
• IIP- Intermediate Intervention Diversion Program  Diversion program for juveniles who commit misdemeanors other than theft, criminal damage to property, drug or sex offenses.  ^[9] 
• Statute- a written law passed by a legislative body; a rule of an organization or institution
• JJA- (Juvenile Justice Authority)The Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority is a cabinet level criminal justice agency that began operating on July 1, 1997.
• Jursidiction- the power, right, or authority to interpret or apply the law; the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate, the power or right to exercise authority; the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised 
• Recidivism- habitual relapse into crime

Bibliography    

• http://www.khi.org/news/2013/jan/23/mental-health-initiative/ 

• http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2013_14/statute/038_023_0000_articles/ 

• http://www.ncmhjj.com

• http://www.sbids.org/contact.html

• http://kansasstatutes.lesterama.org/Chapter_38/Article_23/#38-2304

• www.beforeyouplea.com/ks
• http://www.ncsl.org 
• http://www.ncjj.org/pdf/StateProfileReports/KANSAS8-31-11.pdf
• YLS/CMI powerpoint: http://www.jja.ks.gov/documents/LegislativeAffairs/2008LegislativeAffairs/LegAff_2008_JCCJJO_ImplementationYLS_CMI.pdf
• www.jja.ks.org- Juvenile Justice Authority