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  • About Us
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  • Policy Academy
  • Science Showcase
  • Current Research & Evaluation
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Sequential Intercept Model: 
​Jail diversion and alternative justice interventions

Understanding the prevalence of justice involvement

Millions of individuals living with mental illnesses are in jail or prison each year in the United States. Often their involvement with the criminal justice system begins with low-level offenses like improperly crossing the street, disorderly conduct, or trespassing. Research suggests that states with less access to mental health care tend to have more adults in the criminal justice system. In fact, six out of ten states with the least access to mental health care also have the highest rates of incarceration.

Learn more from MHA about incarceration and mental illness

Hear from the Stepping Up initiative about the widespread incarceration of people with mental illnesses 

What can be done to reduce unnecessary incarceration? 

The Sequential Intercept Model, or SIM, is a promising approach for diverting people with behavioral health disorders from the criminal justice system. It is based on the idea that movement through the system follows a logical sequence, with multiple points to intercept and divert people into mental health and substance abuse services instead. 
This graphic shows the 5 intercepts of 0. Community Services, 1. Law enforcement, 2. Initial Detention/Court Hearing, 3. Jail/Court, 4. Reentry, 5. Community Corrections
Access an infographic explaining SIM and its 5 intercept points 
Read a fact sheet on how SIM advances community-based solutions for justice-involved people
Learn more about using SIM to decriminalize people with behavioral health needs 
Understand how SIM initiates community change in a systematic way by fostering cross-systems collaboration 

Watch a webinar explaining the Sequential Intercept Model, including actions to take and services to offer at each intercept

Download the webinar transcript

How are counties and states using SIM for jail diversion and to promote alternative justice interventions? 

Many counties and states are applying SIM to create partnerships and build infrastructure to support jail diversion. States also are working to reduce trauma-inducing approaches such as prolonged solitary confinement and repeated restraint. Read on about what is working at the county and state levels. 
Learn about SIM for youth
Explore how one county has introduced SIM and related approaches 

Listen to a podcast about one county's planned approach to jail diversion using data and the Stepping Up initiative based on SIM

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Learn how several counties developed their own unique SIM maps to target resources effectively 
​Polk County, FL 
​Fulton County, GA ​
​Franklin County, MA 
Lewis and Clark, MT 
​Multnomah County, OR
Learn about the national Stepping Up initiative 
Request technical assistance
Views expressed on the Academy for Policymakers web site do not necessarily represent those of our Center or any federal agency. Our mission is to share the latest policy information and the perspectives of a variety of stakeholders without endorsement.  

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