Jail Diversion Services: Introduction
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 away 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 treatment and services, and comply with program requirements, 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.
Who is eligible?
Post-Booking Jail Diversion Program Eligibility
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Clinical Eligibility
- Must have a primary diagnosis of a serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or PTSD).
- Must voluntarily agree to participate in behavioral health treatment and services, including long-acting injectable medication and/or residential treatment if recommended.
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Legal Eligibility
- All misdemeanor charges (excluding traffic cases) are eligible for program participation.
- Eligible felony charges include most 3rd-degree felonies and select 2nd-degree felonies (excluding carrying a concealed weapon, child abuse, and aggravated assault with a firearm).
- Must have no more than three prior non-violent felony convictions and no more than three open felony cases.
- Individuals with more serious past or current legal involvement may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the State Attorney's Office.
- Not currently adjudicated incompetent to proceed (ITP) to trial or any material stage of a criminal proceeding.
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Program Criteria
- Must be a resident of Miami-Dade County.
- Participants must be assessed as moderate, high, or very high risk of reoffending, with a demonstrated need for treatment as determined by empirically validated assessment tools.
- Must abstain from alcohol, mood- or mind-altering substances, controlled substances (including opiates and benzodiazepines), medical cannabis, or any other unauthorized medications.
- Must voluntarily submit to random drug testing.
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Supervision period:
- Misdemeanor & misdemeanor domestic violence cases – 3 to 12 months.
- Felony cases – minimum of 12 months.
What happens to my cases?
Based on the severity of the charges and criminal history, a plea agreement is developed with the State Attorney's Office and defense counsel. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if individuals engage in treatment and follow their transition plan. CMHP staff connect participants to community services and regularly report progress to the court.
What type of assistance may be offered?
Based on assessed risks and needs, CMHP Court Specialists assist participants in accessing treatment, medication, housing, and other essential support services. Peer Support Specialists provide guidance and encouragement through the lens of lived experience, helping participants successfully reintegrate into the community. Entitlement Specialists assist with applications for Social Security, Medicaid, and other public benefits to promote stability and long-term recovery.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the Criminal Mental Health Project and Jail Diversion Services contact:
Tim Coffey, CMHP Problem-Solving Court Coordinator at (305) 548-5223 or at tcoffey@jud11.flcourts.org