Harris County, Texas, Mental Health Court Diversion Pilot Reduced Recidivism & Jail Days

A pilot mental health jail diversion program in Harris County, Texas reduced recidivism and jail days for people with mental illness. The pilot began in state fiscal year (SFY) 2015 and operated during SFY 2016. The goal was to help people with mental illness avoid cycling in and out of local jails. The program connected participants to housing opportunities, and to mental health and addiction disorder treatment. Based on the outcomes, Texas officials are urging expansion of the program. It currently has funding to operate in Harris County through late 2017.

The outcomes were reported to the legislature in “Report . . .