The jail diversion program is a collaboration of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) and the Springfield Municipal Court to facilitate rehabilitation for low-offense incarcerated individuals.
Nine members were recognized as the first to complete the program in a graduation ceremony in June. The program connects participants to a variety of community health advocates and works with them to meet their specific rehabilitation goals.
A municipal court judge is able to review the details and status of an incarcerated individuals’ case through an ‘in custody docket.’ Then if the judge feels that the incident could have been avoided with proper resources, they will refer the incarcerated individual to the jail diversion program. The individual will then be screened and connected to a community health advocate who will facilitate their recovery process. The program is only for low-level offenders. Some examples of low offenses include stealing food, urinating in public or trespassing…