Prosecutor-Led Diversion Programs: Roundtable Discussion

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance

Diversion programs for individuals with mental and/or behavioral health needs who are involved in the criminal legal system have proven to be beneficial not only for the individuals but also for the jurisdictions that serve them. As a result, prosecutors throughout the country have begun developing diversion programs. This virtual roundtable highlights several different types of prosecutor-led programs for individuals with mental and/or behavioral health needs that are being implemented across the country.

Speakers:

• David LaBahn, President, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
• Rebecca Neville, Staff Attorney, Association of Prosecution Attorneys
• Stephen Talpins, Chief Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
• Aileen Bhandari, Assistant State’s Attorney, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
• Jordan Shannon, Assistant District Attorney General, Office of the District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District, Davidson County (Nashville)
• Demetrius Thomas, Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center