The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP) was established in 2000 to divert nonviolent misdemeanant defendants with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and possible co-occurring substance use disorders from the criminal justice system into community-based treatment and support services. In 2008, the program was expanded to include defendants arrested for less serious felonies and other charges deemed appropriate, and a specialized docket was later created for misdemeanor domestic violence cases.
All individuals arrested and booked into the county jail are screened for signs and symptoms of mental illnesses. Those identified as experiencing acute psychiatric distress are referred to Corrections Health Services for further evaluation. Eligible misdemeanor defendants are transferred from jail to a community-based crisis stabilization unit as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours of booking. Felony defendants may be referred to the CMHP by the Public Defender's Office, State Attorney's Office, private attorneys, judges, Corrections Health Services, or family members. Felony referrals must be approved by the State Attorney's Office, with victim consent when appropriate, and the process may take up to 30 days. All participants must meet diagnostic and legal criteria and must voluntarily consent to behavioral health treatment and services, including long-acting injectable medication and/or residential treatment if recommended.
Upon enrollment, participants are connected to a comprehensive array of treatment, housing, and support services essential for successful community reentry and long-term recovery. For individuals who successfully engage in services, legal charges may be dismissed or modified.
The CMHP employs the nationally recognized APIC Model (Assess, Plan, Identify, and Coordinate) to guide individualized transition planning for all participants. This best practice model improves outcomes for people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders by supporting community living, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and lowering the risk of reoffending and returning to the criminal justice system.