We are proud to share that we have successfully placed our second successful client into Ocean County’s new Mental Health Diversion Program just nine months after placing the program’s very first applicant. Ocean County is one of only three in the State who has adopted the MHDP. This program allows individuals who are first time offenders with documented mental illness to have their cases diverted from traditional criminal prosecution. In order to successfully complete this program, the Defendant must comply with all mental health recommendations that may include counseling, medication, and group therapy.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is off to a strong start with this program, having accepted twelve individuals into the program thus far. We are thrilled to account for almost 20% of this success. Furthermore the OCPO has set forth various initiatives including training police personnel in identifying potential mental health situations while conducting arrests. This and other initiatives will shed light on the need for individuals battling mental illness to be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Ocean County and has a mental illness, please do not hesitate to contact us.
