Springfield may restart this diversion program to address mental health, break jail cycle

A collaboration between the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Springfield municipal court that was paused last year could provide alternatives to incarceration for those struggling with mental health issues and lacking stability in their lives. A proposed restart of the jail diversion program could connect up to 100 people a year with resources for long-term solutions.

The jail diversion program first launched in July 2021, funded by Greene County general sales tax revenue, after an assessment revealed a need to address mental health locally. The program focused on individuals who received frequent, minor citations and were experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse or housing insecurity.

Chief municipal judge Wendy Garrison said the program was a way to connect those people with resources so the cycle of incarceration could stop and they could receive the support they need to be successful and stabilize their lifestyle.

"Because of these mental health issues, these individuals often act out, they have frequent contact with police officers and they receive multiple minor citations for charges like trespassing, camping in public, obstructing a city officer," she said. "As judges what we like to see is do we have a plan to let this person out of jail so that they'll be successful, they won't reoffend and we won't be seeing them again in court, hopefully."

How did the program work?

After a judge referred individuals to the program, a community health worker created a customized assessment and plan that was agreed upon with the prosecuting attorney, probation officer and other players. Garrison said the individual could then enter a plea of guilty to be released on probation for up to two years under the agreement they would follow the plan that had been created.

In the first couple of months, Assistant Director of Health Rinda Davis said, touchpoints with the community health advocate would be frequent and intense to ensure the individual received all they needed. As time went on, that guidance and supervision could ease as the person regained stability. Beyond the community health advocate's work, the probation officer provided guidance and support in following the outlined plan as well. That support and guidance is vital for those who may not have family or for whom mental health issues make it difficult to carry out the plan on their own, Garrison said.

"What we look at as success for these individuals in the program is that they have no new charges, that they can maintain their independence or their interdependence and that they also have continued engagement in community resources," she said. "So essentially, you know, what we want to see is that they're no longer homeless, that they're addressing any of their needs ... And that gives them the opportunity to become in the habit of that continued success."

At the end of the probation period, if the person successfully completed the program, their plea of guilty and the charges on their record could be dismissed. The "graduates" were also recognized.

"Then that absence of criminal convictions can yield long term benefits for those individuals in relationship to future employment opportunities, and then also avoiding social stigma," Garrison said.

Working to get program back

Despite seeing success rates above national averages for similar jail diversion programs, the program was no longer funded past September 2023. Now, the city is hoping to restart the program and continue to provide individuals support and guidance as an alternative to incarceration.

Monday night, Springfield City Council will consider a proposal to use $90,800 to fund the program until the new budget is approved, which could secure more long-term funding for the program. The $90,800 will come from the initial revenue collected from the city's recently implemented 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana. Council is expected to vote on the plan at its following meeting in May.

More: These programs are likely to benefit from Springfield marijuana sales tax

Davis said the money will fund two full-time community health advocates and a part-time supervisor. Garrison said she is hopeful this first round of funding will allow the program to restart immediately upon approval.

"I know that I see people every day on the in-custody docket that I would love to be able to refer to the program, because I know that they need the help and I'd like to see them get off the street and not be homeless," she said.

Council has expressed support for including the jail diversion program in the upcoming budget, with ongoing funding from the marijuana sales tax. If fully funded through the year, Davis said the program could serve up to 100 individuals annually.

Want to go?

Council meetings are held every other Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Springfield Regional Police & Fire Training Center at 2620 W. Battlefield Rd. The meetings are also livestreamed on www.cityview.springfieldmo.gov/livestream and the city's Facebook page.

The full agenda and supporting documents can be found on the city's website.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield could restart jail diversion program paused last year