Following in the footsteps of other cities, Travis County, Texas, has launched a groundbreaking $23 million pilot program aimed at breaking the cycle of incarceration for individuals grappling with mental health or substance abuse issues who commit minor offenses.
Spearheaded by Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Sheriff Sally Hernandez, alongside a coalition of advocates and government officials, the recent diversion initiative represents a significant shift toward compassionate and reformative approaches within the criminal justice system.
For years, Travis County has struggled with the challenge of addressing the needs of individuals with mental health issues who encounter law enforcement.
According to official data, the county’s jail population has continued to rise precipitously over the years, with 2,343 people booked into the jail last December —243 more than the previous high of 2,100 in 2019.
Total jail bookings have also swelled from 22,068 in 2021 to 28,828 last year.
Additionally, officials say that up to 40% of individuals booked into jail every day suffer from some kind of mental health issue.
Hernandez said the pilot program aims to address these problems and tackle the root cause of recidivism. “If we don’t keep these things a priority, then we will just be building another new facility to shove the mentally ill in, and the cycle continues,” she told The Texas Tribune.
The program was also born out of frustration from law enforcement officials who felt that their options were limited when dealing with individuals in crisis.
“The frustration on the law enforcement end is that we have nowhere to take them,” Hernandez said.
“We need another option. We need hope for those with mental illness and for our officers,” she added.
Recognizing the inadequacy of existing services and the persistent cycle of arrest and release, Travis County officials sought inspiration from successful diversion programs in cities like Miami and Nashville.
Brown lauded the potential of such programs, citing examples where diversion efforts resulted in significant cost savings and reduced recidivism rates.
For instance, Miami saved $4 million last year by not booking mentally ill, low-level criminal suspects, while Nashville reported that 80% of individuals taking part in diversion programs stayed out of jail in the future.
“We’re trying to find the perfect model for Austin and Travis County. And we’ve seen some awe-inspiring results in other cities across the country,” Brown said. “In all these places, we’ve seen people getting services that they need and, in turn, making their community safer. We need to start setting people on a better path.”
Travis County will partner with Integral Care, the county’s mental health provider, to implement a comprehensive 90-day care and treatment program.
This approach aims to not only stabilize individuals in crisis but also address the underlying causes of their behaviors, offering a genuine opportunity for long-term rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The pilot program, set to launch in March, will see a former walk-in crisis clinic on Austin’s east side transformed into a 25-bed facility where law enforcement officers and paramedics can direct individuals in need.
This initial phase, officials say, will hopefully provide valuable data on mental health needs in the Austin area, laying the groundwork for a more permanent solution.
Looking ahead to 2029 or 2030, Travis County envisions a permanent, larger facility that goes beyond crisis support, offering housing and a continuum of care to treat individuals holistically.
Brown was hopeful that the inclusion of additional crisis services within the diversion center itself would offer comprehensive support for individuals post-treatment.
While the pilot program marks a significant step forward, it is not without its challenges.
Funding and resource allocation remain ongoing concerns, as does the need for sustained political and community support. Moreover, the program must navigate the complexities of coordination between various agencies and stakeholders.
