In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health support and diversion programs within Montgomery County. The focus was on improving collaboration between law enforcement, health services, and the judicial system to address the needs of individuals with mental health issues, particularly those who may come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Key initiatives highlighted included the Behavioral Assessment Threats Unit's role in conducting welfare checks and assessments to prevent repeat calls and negative interactions within communities. Officials emphasized the importance of identifying individual needs and providing appropriate support to reduce reliance on the judicial system for treatment.

The discussion also touched on the limitations of diversion programs, which typically require a criminal charge for participation. This requirement can hinder proactive treatment efforts. Officials noted that mental health courts, along with specialized dockets for homelessness and drug-related offenses, aim to divert individuals from prosecution and into structured treatment programs. These programs are voluntary and involve a collaborative approach among judges, public defenders, and state attorneys to ensure participants receive the necessary support.

The meeting underscored the significance of ongoing communication between law enforcement and mental health professionals, particularly when behavioral changes are observed in individuals already in treatment programs. This proactive engagement aims to address potential issues before they escalate.

Additionally, officials reported an increase in cases involving co-occurring disorders, such as individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities alongside mental health diagnoses. A treatment team approach has been implemented to develop individualized behavior plans, aiming to mitigate criminal behavior and promote better outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further develop the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) joint response model, which has gained traction nationwide as a best practice for addressing mental health crises in collaboration with law enforcement. This model aims to enhance the effectiveness of responses to individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support.