Calgary Diversion Program: A Community-based Alternative to Incarceration for Mentally Ill Offenders

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services Research
• Criminal Justice Policy

Background:

• The "revolving door" syndrome of mentally ill offenders in the Canadian justice system necessitates alternative management strategies.
• Diversion programs offer a promising approach by connecting individuals to health and social services.
• A lack of empirical evidence has hindered the widespread acceptance of diversion programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and service utilization of the Calgary Diversion Program.
• To assess the program's effectiveness as a community-based alternative to incarceration for mentally disordered offenders.
• To provide empirical data on the impact of diversion programs in Canada.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach utilizing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Quasi-experimental design with clients serving as their own controls.
• Study included 179 clients enrolled in the Calgary Diversion Program from 2002-2003.

Main Results:

• Successful participants showed 84%-91% reductions in justice system complaints, charges, and court appearances.
• Acute service utilization decreased by 25%-48%.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in psychiatric symptoms (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) and quality of life indicators; high satisfaction reported by clients and providers; average cost reduction of CAD 1,721 per client over nine months.

Conclusions:

• The Calgary Diversion Program provides the first significant empirical evidence for diversion programs in Canada.
• The program demonstrates potential for improved client outcomes, enhanced support, and reduced healthcare and justice system costs.
• Further research with longer follow-up is recommended; findings support policy consideration for cost-effective, outcome-improving diversion strategies.