Mental Health Diversion

Who Can Qualify for Mental Health Diversion in California?

Understanding the Requirements for PC 1001.36 – Mental Health Diversion    California recognizes that there is a mental health crisis occurring across the globe. In an effort to reduce incarceration and promote treatment, the courts have established a mental health diversion program for individuals with a diagnosable mental health condition who have committed a crime.  […]

Who Can Qualify for Mental Health Diversion in California? Read More »

The Mental Health Crisis in Our Criminal Justice System

The Disproportionate Representation of People with Mental Health Disorders in Our Jails and Prisons   According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that approximately 2 million individuals with a mental health disorder are booked into jails in the United States each year. As noted in their publication on Decriminalizing Mental Illness, “people

The Mental Health Crisis in Our Criminal Justice System Read More »

The Connection Between Mental Health and Job Loss

How Unemployment Can Affect a Person’s Mental and Emotional Well-Being   The effect that job loss can have on a person’s mental health has been documented for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed the conversation about the impact financial uncertainty can have on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.  Unemployment and Suicide Unemployment is a

The Connection Between Mental Health and Job Loss Read More »

Schizophrenia

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia According to the American Psychiatric Association, schizophrenia is a “chronic brain disorder that affects less than one percent of the U.S. population.” Schizophrenia has a number of signs and symptoms including the presence of delusions and hallucinations. With treatment, many of the symptoms can be successfully managed. Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Read More »

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Statistics   Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health disorder that affects a large number of people throughout the United States. According to the National Center for PTSD, 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. In a single year, as many as 8 million

What Is PTSD? Read More »

What Are the Benefits of Mental Health Diversion?

PC 1001.36 and Mental Health Pretrial Diversion   Penal Code 1001.36 allows for a court to grant pretrial diversion for individuals with diagnosable mental health disorders. There are several factors that determine a person’s eligibility for the program, including whether the offender’s mental disorder was a significant factor in the commission of the offense and

What Are the Benefits of Mental Health Diversion? Read More »

Which Crimes Are Ineligible for Mental Health Diversion?

Criminal Offenses That Make a Defendant Statutorily Unable to Be Placed Into Mental Health Diversion Penal Code 1001.36 allows for a court to grant mental health diversion for certain offenders. A defendant must show that they suffer from a diagnosable qualifying mental disorder and must have a recent diagnosis by a qualified mental health expert.

Which Crimes Are Ineligible for Mental Health Diversion? Read More »