Sec. 533.108. PRIORITIZATION OF FUNDING FOR DIVERSION OF PERSONS FROM INCARCERATION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES

(a) A local mental health or mental retardation authority may develop and may prioritize its available funding for:

(1) a system to divert members of the priority population, including those members with co-occurring substance abuse disorders, before their incarceration or other contact with the criminal justice system, to services appropriate to their needs, including:

(A) screening and assessment services; and

(B) treatment services, including:

(i) assertive community treatment services;

(ii) inpatient crisis respite services;

(iii) medication management services;

(iv) short-term residential services;

(v) shelter care services;

(vi) crisis respite residential services;

(vii) outpatient integrated mental health services;

(viii) co-occurring substance abuse treatment services;

(ix) psychiatric rehabilitation and service coordination services;

(x) continuity of care services; and

(xi) services consistent with the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental Impairments model;

(2) specialized training of local law enforcement and court personnel to identify and manage offenders or suspects who may be members of the priority population; and

(3) other model programs for offenders and suspects who may be members of the priority population, including crisis intervention training for law enforcement personnel.

(b) A local mental health or mental retardation authority developing a system, training, or a model program under Subsection (a) shall collaborate with other local resources, including local law enforcement and judicial systems and local personnel.

(c) A local mental health or mental retardation authority may not implement a system, training, or a model program developed under this section until the system, training, or program is approved by the department.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1214, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.