Diversion

• Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), also known as Kevin’s Law in Michigan, is a legal mechanism for providing outpatient treatment to some individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) whose non-engagement in treatment places them at risk for negative outcomes. 
• It is an evidence-based tool that promotes recovery, reduces harmful behavior, hospitalization and emergency room use. 
• AOT works by compelling the person to receive treatment to prevent their condition from worsening and by formally committing the mental health system to provide treatment.  

Link to Kevin's Law Flyer (PDF)

• A co-responder program includes the creation of a team approach to include a clinician that offers crisis intervention to help de-escalate and/or stabilize the individual to prevent further criminal justice involvement, when possible.
• OCHN has formed multiple partnerships with law enforcement agencies to embed a behavior health clinician to assist officers and people served. 
• Individuals are provided with referral to resources, including mental health and/or substance use services.

• Pre-Booking Diversion services offer persons diagnosed with a developmental disability, mental illness, or substance use disorder the opportunity to receive treatment within the community instead being charged with a criminal offense for a non-violent misdemeanor. 

• OCHN has partnered with the Oakland County Prosecutors office for an on-site liaison to assess individuals for mental health/substance use/co-occurring needs. 
• Early diversion opportunities are explored by screening, linking, and referring individuals to service providers.

Link to OCHN's Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Coordination Information

Link to CIT page