Justice, behavioral health representatives report progress on court diversion efforts to Fulton County commissioners

Representatives from the justice system and behavioral health updated the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 about efforts to link people with mental health and recovery services rather than incarceration.

The presenters reported that recent initiatives — including a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator — and strengthened referral systems have increased deferrals to community-based treatment resources. They told the commissioners that, over recent months, the county has observed a noticeable reduction in the number of people incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility and that the change has produced measurable cost savings for the county.

Those claims were reported by the representatives; the meeting minutes do not include supporting data or named studies. The presenters said funding for the efforts is a blend of County Mental Health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Commissioners and program partners identified next steps: map available resources to support training and to explore supported housing options for people diverted from incarceration.

No formal votes were recorded on program strategy during the meeting; the discussion was recorded as an update and planning step. Commissioners entered executive session later in the meeting for personnel matters and adjourned at 1:36 p.m.

The county will need to produce or cite outcome data if it or reporters seek to verify the claim that jail populations and costs have fallen as a result of these initiatives.