New Criminal Justice Diversion Programs Slated For 2019

BOULDER, CO -- Two new Boulder County programs could keep those suffering from mental health problems or opioid abuse out of jail. Both the Mental Health Pre-File Diversion Program and the Opioid Abuse Diversion and Navigation Program are set to roll out in early 2019, according to a statement from Boulder County Community Services.

“In the criminal justice system, far too many defendants enter the system due to a mental health crisis,” said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty in a statement. “For them, and for the welfare of our community, our justice system must more effectively respond to mental health issues.”

The programs also seek to ensure sufficient jail capacity for the county's violent offenders by developing a coordinated approach to reduce the number of low-risk individuals incarcerated in Boulder County. Boulder County Community Justice Services, the Boulder County Jail, the Boulder County District Attorney’s office, and Boulder County Public Health are all partners in the anticipated programs, which will be funded with grants from the US Department of Justice.

“Boulder County has been innovatively seeking opportunities to address our population’s mental health and substance abuse needs outside of the justice system,” said community justice services division manager Monica Rotner in a statement. “These grant dollars provide a tremendous mechanism for accomplishing this goal.”

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The Mental Health Pre-File Diversion Program, funded by a two-year $346,512 grant, will seek to identify and divert individuals with low-level criminal offenses and mental health struggles from the justice system.

According to the county, it is not uncommon for those with mental health challenges to be arrested on smaller charges such as trespassing, theft, criminal mischief, or disorderly conduct. The new program plans to identify potential candidates at their point of entry into the local justice system.

The Opioid Abuse Diversion and Navigation Program will be funded with a three-year $861,569 grant. It aims to reduce the number of individuals suffering from opioid addiction by quickly connecting them to treatment and recovery services after their arrest. It will include opioid screening and criminal risk assessment for all offenders during jail bookings, pretrial services while incarcerated, and post-jail connections to treatment providers.

“Most often, opioid use begins as a result of a medical injury but becomes an addiction that is physiologically hard to beat,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health Executive Director in a statement. “This program will help individuals get the treatment they need to get back to the life they planned and out of the criminal justice system for good.”

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