Diversion programs seek to divert individuals from incarceration and hospitalization into community treatment settings.

The earlier an individual is diverted in the process, the more significant potential for criminal justice and other crisis systems savings.

• Pre-booking diversion: programs that attempt to divert individuals before they are booked into jail.
• Crisis diversion facilities: help divert individuals in crisis from hospital emergency rooms and subsequent hospital admissions.

Diversion programs work in partnership to assist law enforcement and other first responders in recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders and identifying alternatives to jail and hospital settings for individuals in a behavioral health crisis.

Crisis Intervention Training

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) provides intensive training to law enforcement and other first responders in effectively assisting and responding to people with mental illness or substance use disorders.

This training provides education, skills and resources to better equip first responders to help individuals access the most appropriate and least restrictive services, while preserving public safety.

For more information on CIT classes, visit the  Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Crisis Solutions Center

The Crisis Solutions Center (CSC) seeks to improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness and substance abuse by providing therapeutic alternatives in the community resulting in reduced admissions to jails, hospital emergency departments and psychiatric hospital inpatient units. The CSC is composed of three linked programs including:

• A Crisis Diversion Facility for adults in crisis who need stabilization and referral to appropriate community based services;
• Crisis Diversion Interim Services for individuals who need intensive case management to identify and engage in available housing and support options upon returning to their home community
• A Mobile Crisis Team that responds with police and other first responders in the community to provide in-the-moment crisis stabilization and linkage to appropriate services and supports.

Target Population:

Adults (18 and older) in crisis in the community, referred only by First Responders, who might otherwise be brought to a hospital emergency department or arrested for minor crimes and taken to jail. Exclusionary criteria for admission include criminal charge/criminal history criteria and medical/behavioral criteria.

For more information on programming and eligibility requirements, download the  Crisis Solution Center FAQ or visit the  DESC Crisis Solutions Center.