County, courts and behavioral-health representatives report fewer jailings after new co-responder and navigator supports

Representatives from the justice system and behavioral-health providers updated the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 about recent collaborative initiatives intended to divert people with behavioral-health needs from jail to treatment.

The group described two new elements: a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator. According to meeting remarks, those additions, combined with strengthened referral processes and blended funding from County Mental Health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), have increased deferrals to community-based treatment.

Meeting participants reported that, over recent months, these efforts have coincided with a measurable reduction in the number of individuals incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility and have produced associated cost savings for the county. The representatives identified next steps: mapping available resources to support staff training and exploring supported housing options for people leaving custody or treatment.

The commissioners did not take formal votes on program changes during the session. Commissioners noted the report as part of regular collaboration updates; separate minutes record the Safety Committee and Department Head meetings that same day. No direct quantification of the reduction in jail population or precise dollar savings was provided in the minutes.