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Representatives report diversion programs increased treatment referrals and coincided with fewer jailings
Summary
Representatives from the justice system and behavioral-health providers told Fulton County commissioners that a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator have increased deferrals to community treatment and corresponded with a reduction in individuals incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility; mapping of resources and supported housing options are next steps.
Representatives from the justice system and behavioral-health providers told the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20, 2026, that recent initiatives have increased referrals to community-based treatment and coincided with a reduction in the number of people incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility.
The representatives described two recent additions to the local response system — a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator — and said these roles, together with strengthened existing systems, have led to “increased deferrals to community-based treatment resources” and measurable cost savings for the county. The group said the efforts are supported through a blend of county mental-health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
Why it matters: Commissioners were told that diverting eligible people from custody to treatment can reduce jail populations and county correctional expenses. The representatives said next steps include mapping available service providers to support training and exploring options for supported housing to stabilize participants who are diverted to community care.
The presentation did not include a detailed count of individuals diverted or a precise dollar figure for the reported savings; county staff and the representatives described the reductions and savings as measurable but did not provide a chart or exact totals in the meeting record. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on policy changes during the Jan. 20 session but recorded the update and identified mapping resources and housing options as follow-up work.
The commissioners asked for additional information and coordination as the group pursues training and housing options; the meeting minutes record the discussion but do not list a timetable for the next report.
