Mental Health Diversion Under Fire | San Jose News

Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a sweeping mental health diversion bill that gives judges more power to deny treatment in favor of jail time if they believe a defendant poses a public safety risk — a move prosecutors applaud as closing a dangerous loophole, while defense attorneys warn it will trap vulnerable people in prison instead of helping them heal. The original 2018 program, designed to reduce recidivism by offering treatment over incarceration for mentally ill offenders, is now being reshaped: judges can now reject diversion based on prosecutor input, victim safety, and a new five-year diagnosis window — changes critics say will exclude many who previously qualified and undermine a proven, humane system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/48bbfa5b3ac9cb25