Illinois Justice Project

Stemming the Tide

Illinois Mental Health Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force

Stemming the Tide

The Illinois Mental Health Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force has released a report with 14 recommended action steps to deliver needed services and help keep youth with mental health conditions out of jails and prisons.

Created by state statute in 2017, the task force was charged with developing an action plan for new or expanded diversion programs aimed at youth living with mental health conditions in Illinois. Task force members include state legislators and representatives of law enforcement and mental health service providers.

The full report, “Stemming the Tide: Diverting Youth with Mental Health Conditions from the Illinois Juvenile Justice System,” is available below.