Pre-Booking Jail Diversion Services Transitions to Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority

Pre-Booking Jail Diversion Services Transitions to Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority

Effective October 1, 2015, Pre-Booking Jail Diversion services previously managed by Easter Seals Michigan were transitioned to Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA). This Oakland County initiative offers persons diagnosed with a developmental disability, mental illness, or substance use disorder the opportunity to receive treatment within the community instead being charged with a criminal offense for a non-violet misdemeanor.

Jail Diversion is accomplished through a comprehensive, county-wide partnership between law enforcement, the public mental health system, advocates, and other stakeholders. It also upholds Michigan Mental Health Code Sec 207 which states: “Each community mental health services program shall provide services designed to divert persons with serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or developmental disabilities from possible jail incarceration when appropriate. These services shall be consistent with policy established by the department.”

All Jail Diversion requests and inquires can be forwarded to OCCMHA Jail Diversion Coordinator, Dan Holloway, at hollowayd@occmha.org or 248.309.9455.