Austin's streets could soon see fewer people with mental health issues behind bars, thanks to a novel initiative in Travis County. In response to a growing need for mental health services among low-level offenders, Travis County leaders will begin a pilot program of a mental health diversion center designed to provide treatment as an alternative to jail time. The focus is to offer counseling, medication, substance abuse treatment, and possibly housing. County Judge Andy Brown emphasized that the number of individuals with unmet mental health needs in the county's jail has notably increased from 21% to 44% since the pandemic. Brown believes the actual figure could be even higher, according to Austin American Statesman.
The pilot, backed by a $12 million investment, will utilize facilities like the old Ronald McDonald House on 15th and Trinity streets, and another on Airport Boulevard, Brown said, as per Austin American Statesman.
The Downtown Austin Alliance highlighted this initiative in a recent discussion. They underscored the importance of diverting those with serious mental health issues from the criminal justice system, and instead providing them with necessary support and services, as reported by KXAN.
Despite the pressing need for such services, full-scale operations might not see the light of day until 2029 or 2030. Still, Brown and his team are hopeful that they can expedite the process. The design and construction phases alone are expected to take approximately four and a half years. And, for funding this long-term project, Travis County is looking to team up with Central Health, the City of Austin, the state, and potentially the federal government, as stated in Austin American Statesman.
