The county of kauai office of the prosecuting attorney proposes to implement a robust mental health diversion program

The County of Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney was awarded a $550,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745). The purpose of the grant is to implement a mental health diversion program that will connect justice-involved individuals with mental health disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders to treatment services provided by Hoola Lahui Hawaii, the designated Native Hawaiian health care system for Kauai County. Key project activities include developing a screening and assessment tool, designing a culturally specific program for Native Hawaiian participants, hiring a dedicated prosecutor to oversee the diversion program, and collecting and sharing data on program outcomes. The three-year grant period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The purpose is to connect justice-involved individuals with mental health disorders and CO-occurring mental health and substance use disorders with hoola lahui hawaii, a mental health treatment provider on kauai. Project activities include creating and implementing a valid screening and assessment tool to identify program participants, designing a culturally specific program for native hawaiian participants, hiring or assigning a deputy prosecuting attorney to implement and oversee the diversion program, engagement with the community about the program, and collecting and sharing data regarding program outcomes. Priority consideration under 1B. Hoola lahui hawaii is designated as the native hawaiian health care system for the county of kauai in addition to being designated as a federally qualified health center by the U.S. Department of health and human services. As a native hawaiian health care system, hoola lahui hawaii has a specific focus on serving the needs of native hawaiians and their families. Priority consideration under category 2 is also being sought. Validated assessment tools will be used to identify and prioritize individuals with a moderate or high risk of recidivism and a need for treatment services. There are no planned conference activities for the recommended award.