Top 25 Innovators - 2019

To improve access to mental health services for people in the criminal justice system, Young created a pre-charge jail diversion center. Instead of shuffling people with mental health conditions accused of a low-level misdemeanor in and out of jail, they are taken to a diversion center for assessment, treatment and social services. During its first nine months, the center diverted 1,300 people away from jail to healthcare; 67% of those diverted had no new jail bookings; 25% received outpatient and/or residential services after release.