Orange County has launched a program to connect eligible people arrested for low-level crimes with mental health and substance abuse services before criminal charges are filed in an effort to curb reoffending, the District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

The FIRST (Focused Intervention Route to Services and Treatment) Point Diversion Program  plans to target specific people with possible behavioral issues, including mental health challenges or substance abuse, who have committed victimless misdemeanor crimes or misdemeanor crimes where the victim is cooperative.

It will be headed by the OC District Attorney’s Office in partnership with participating police departments around Orange County, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Irvine Police Department and Seal Beach Police Department.

A law enforcement officer from one of the participating agencies will send the crime report to a designated prosecutor. If the prosecutor believes there is enough evidence to file charges, but the person qualifies for the program, the case is referred to an intake counselor at the county’s Health Care Agency to assess and develop a treatment plan. This could include services such as substance abuse counseling and mental illness assistance.

The person’s progress and success in the program is monitored by their counselor. If successful, the charges are not filed, but if the program is not completed within 10 months, prosecutors will still have the ability to file criminal charges before the one-year statute of limitations expires.

Participants in the program will also be able to consult with the County’s Social Services Agency to see if they are eligible for food stamps or Medi-Cal services. Access to social services and any benefits they may receive will continue regardless of whether the program participant successfully completes the program, the OC District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Law enforcement agencies hope addressing underlying issues in exchange for not filing criminal charges will prevent a criminal record that may impede their employment or housing opportunities and reduce the number of repeat offenders.

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