Committee reports: Mental Health Diversion Court reached 40 caseload peak, saved roughly $3.1M in 2025

Council member Reynolds reported the Social Services & Public Safety Committee received an annual update on the Fayette Mental Health Diversion Court from Clinical Director Connie Milligan and District Court Judge John Tackett.

According to the committee report, in 2025 the program reached a peak caseload of 40 participants and graduated 25 individuals; more than 80% of participants remained in the program. The program reportedly diverted more than 25,000 jail-days, produced an estimated $2,900,000 in jail savings and brought total public-safety savings to more than $3,100,000. Committee members also heard that staff completed more than 600 mental-health assessments for referred individuals, providing clinical recommendations even when individuals were ineligible for diversion.

No formal committee action was taken on the item at that meeting, and the committee adjourned after the report.