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Board flags regional coordination risks after Dallas forum on diversion centers
Summary
Chair Dianne Hickey and Trustee Ron Marchant reported on a Collaborative Learning Forum about justice diversion centers and raised concerns that Dallas County has not committed to allocating beds in its new psychiatric hospital for neighboring counties, which could complicate regional diversion plans.
Chair Dianne Hickey and Trustee Ron Marchant summarized a Collaborative Learning Forum convened by a Dallas County initiative on smarter justice and diversion centers. The board heard that Denton County officials attended the forum along with other regional leaders and that the model under discussion—based on a Miami‑Dade program—carries political and operational risks.
Minutes record specific concerns about inter‑county coordination: Dallas County reportedly has not committed to allocating beds in the new Dallas psychiatric hospital to neighboring counties and appears to favor a first‑come, first‑served approach. Trustees warned this could spark 'territorial battles' over funding and control if a regional diversion center is pursued; the board agreed to share a documentary about the Miami‑Dade model with members for further consideration.
