Effectiveness of a Jail Diversion Program in Linking Participants to Federal Entitlements and Stable Housing
Abstract
Jail diversion programs are designed to prevent the incarceration of mentally ill offenders and to facilitate their entrance into appropriate community-based treatment, while also guarding the safety of the general public. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of one such program. Initial outcomes are described for mentally ill offenders who participated in the program. A total of 50 participants completed the following self-report measures: the Government Performance and Result Act (GPRA) instrument, and the Colorado Symptom Index. Participants were interviewed again at 6 and 12 months. Results indicate the program significantly assisted participants in obtaining income supports such as Medicaid, Social Security, and Food Stamp benefits, but had little impact on housing outcomes.