The Unity Point Health's Jail Diversion Program was developed to assist justice-impacted people with mental health issues, both in jail and in the community. The program aims to prevent or minimize the number of mentally ill individuals in jail by providing supportive services during incarceration, followed by community-based treatment upon release. The Jail Diversion team acts as a liaison between jail staff, judges, attorneys, probation and parole officers, and mental health providers. In addition, Jail Diversion is an advocate and works to secure community support services and other basic benefits before a client's release from jail in Iowa. In the following release, the Jail Diversion team works alongside the individual and coordinates care to meet their needs. For a formerly incarcerated person to be eligible for their services, they must be 18 and older, have a severe and persistent mental illness, and legally commit offenses such as misdemeanor or non-violent. However, exceptions are permitted when agreed upon by all parties involved in the diversion plan. If you wish for more information, don't hesitate to contact Unity Point Health's Jail Diversion Program by accessing the contact information listed here.