Mental Health Diversion
Mental Health Diversion (MHD) in San Francisco
Created in 2018 by California Assembly Bill 1810, Mental Health Diversion (MHD) aims to increase the diversion of individuals with mental health diagnoses to mitigate their entry and reentry into the criminal justice system while protecting public safety.
As outlined in California Penal Code Sections 1001.35 and 1001.36, MHD seeks to provide pretrial diversion that meets the unique mental health treatment and support needs of individuals with mental health diagnoses and allows for local discretion and flexibility in its implementation. In San Francisco County, participants who are granted MHD may be followed in Department 15 or in a different collaborative court that best meets their needs. The period of diversion may last no longer than one year for a misdemeanor charge or two years for a felony charge.