Tweaking the Process: Application of the Sequential Intercept Model in Mental Health-Criminal Justice Collaboration

• In Event: Examining the Impact of Disability on Victimization and Offending

Abstract

The Sequential Intercept Model is used by professionals to conceptualize how deeply persons with severe mental illness (PSMI) become immersed in criminal justice systems in order to develop diversion strategies. The model has five points of criminal justice system interception: law enforcement and emergency services; initial detention and hearings; jail and courts; reentry from jails, prisons, and hospitalization; and community corrections and support. Using interview data collected from mental health and criminal justice professionals in three municipalities in Indiana, this paper explores how the professionals utilized the model to develop diversion strategies, and details how they dealt with various problems that presented at specific points of the model. Findings reveal the importance of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for diversionary strategies at level one, while mental health court programs, often touted as a diversionary solution at interception point three, were not considered the appropriate strategy by professionals in the least populated municipality. Regardless of whether or not there was a mental health court program, judges were identified as key players for implementation of solutions at level three, while prosecutors were identified as players who may represent obstruction to implementing strategies.

Author

• Monte D. Staton, Ball State University