Travis County's New $23 Million Project Aims to Keep Mentally Ill from Jail

The Texas Tribune highlights Travis County's $23 million project to keep the mentally ill from jail. Over the years, Texas sheriffs such as Travis County's Sally Hernandez have seen tax dollars take mentally ill or intoxicated individuals committing minor crimes to treatment or jail. However, within a few hours, the individual is released without treatment to prevent the cycle from repeating.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown provided a solution when he announced a plan to build a mental health diversion center for those arrested who are in crisis, garnering support from 50 advocates and government officials sitting in the audience, including Hernandez.

There have been encouraging success rates from similar diversion efforts outside of Texas, and Brown's team is working to find the perfect diversion model for Austin and Travis County. Travis County will partner with Integral Care, a county mental health provider, to complete the first phase of the diversion initiative, using the $23 million for a three-year pilot program.

Read More About How Travis County's Diversion Center Will Help Mentally Ill Individuals

Click here to learn more about the upcoming diversion center, the three-year pilot program, and how it will aid someone in crisis rather than jailing them.

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