Mental Health Diversion Program to Launch in Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage

The Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage, in conjunction with the local prosecutor's offices, will announce the launch of a mental health diversion program designed to improve connections between the criminal justice system and community-based behavioral health services on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Cumberland County Courthouse.

The collaborative initiative, called JusticeLink I.D. (Identify. Divert.), enhances early identification, care coordination, and access to mental health treatment to redirect eligible individuals accused of certain crimes away from incarceration and into community-based treatment programs.

JusticeLink I.D. employs a multidisciplinary approach through the partnership of the courts, prosecutors' offices, public defenders, behavioral health providers, and vital social service organizations.

Assignment Judge Benjamin Telsey will give opening remarks followed by an overview of the JusticeLink I.D. Program provided by Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew Johns, and Salem County Prosecutor Kristin Telsey.

Deputy Public Defender Margaret Butler and other key leaders for the initiative also will give an overview of the program.

The event will be held in the ceremonial courtroom of the Cumberland County Courthouse, 60 W. Broad St., Bridgeton.

Parking is available in the public parking garage behind the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, 115 Vine St., Bridgeton.

For additional information, contact Tracy Swan of the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office at [email protected].