Framingham Jail Diversion Program

Approximately 685,000 people afflicted with mental illness are imprisoned in the United States every year. Many of these individuals have been arrested for non-violent nuisance and disturbance type offenses. Arrest and imprisonment are not the most appropriate option for these individuals, who would benefit more from community based mental health and substance abuse treatment. Those who received appropriate mental health treatment usually have a lower rate of recidivism and a better long-term prognosis. In addition to achieving a better outcome for those with mental illness, diversion relieves the over-burdened criminal justice system and allows law enforcement to focus on true crime.


		Approximately 685,000 people afflicted with mental illness are imprisoned in the United States every year. Many of these individuals have been arrested for non-violent nuisance and disturbance type offenses. Arrest and imprisonment are not the most appropriate option for these individuals, who would benefit more from community based mental health and substance abuse treatment. Those who received appropriate mental health treatment usually have a lower rate of recidivism and a better long-term prognosis. In addition to achieving a better outcome for those with mental illness, diversion relieves the over-burdened criminal justice system and allows law enforcement to focus on true crime.

		Origins of the Jail Diversion Program
		© 2004 Advocates Inc. / Framingham Police Department