New Indiana Law Establishes System To Divert People In Behavioral Health Crisis From Jail To Mental Health Facilities

A new Indiana law creates a system for law enforcement officers to refer someone in behavioral health crisis to mental health or addiction treatment, rather than holding them in jail. It also sets up a process for some people currently in jail to be transferred to a mental health facility. The state’s next two-year budget provides $10 million to create inpatient services for offenders. This will allow Indiana counties to apply for funding to build or renovate facilities for the purposes of providing mental health treatment to incarcerated individuals. Rules for the diversion program will be developed by . . .