Submit Your Mental Health & Veteran Diversion Applications Digitally
Both diversionary programs fall under the Special Offenders Unit (hereinafter referred to as SOU), which handles a variety of specialized cases, including but not limited to involvement with, defendants with developmental/ intellectual disabilities, competency issues, not guilty by reason of insanity cases, KROL hearings, MSU cases, Ocean County Police Academy training regarding crisis issues, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, and the OAG Police Response De-Escalation Techniques to Individuals with Special Needs/Mental Health Issues training. The Special Offenders Unit utilizes a full time senior assistant prosecutor, a full time program assistant, outside agencies for program support, volunteer veteran mentors and select undergraduate and graduate interns during the academic year.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SIGNED BEFORE SUBMISSION. NO DIGITAL SIGNATURES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION PROGRAM
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office Mental Health Diversion Program (hereinafter referred to as the MHDP) began September 11, 2014. This diversionary program for justice-involved individuals suffering from serious and persistent mental illness was originally funded through a grant from the Office of the Attorney General for the State of New Jersey. Utilizing the teamwork of skilled clinicians and case managers, the MHDP ensures that defendants are receiving the treatment that they need in order to lead productive lives outside of the criminal justice system. Clinical and case management services are obtained through Ocean Mental Health Services and Preferred Behavioral Health. The mission of the MHDP is to reduce recidivism and to ensure public safety when it comes to defendants with underlying mental health concerns. Defendants who successfully complete recommended treatment modules receive a downgrade or dismissal of their charges.
To submit a Mental Health Application Click Here.
VETERANS DIVERSION PROGRAM
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office Veterans Diversion Program (hereinafter referred to as the VDP) accepted its first three candidates March 8, 2016. The VDP was created in response to the unmet needs of defendants with veteran status who were participants in the MHDP. It was determined that these individuals needed specialized treatment and supervision tailored to their military backgrounds. Defendants that are identified and verified as having veteran status are legally cleared by the program director then clinically evaluated to participate in the program. Participants should be county residents and be willing and able to engage in drug and/ or mental health treatment. Ocean Mental Health Services, as well as the VA provide evaluations, treatment and services for the VDP. Defendants who successfully complete recommended treatment modules will receive a downgrade or dismissal of their charges. Veterans in the VDP are also assigned at least one volunteer veteran mentor to monitor their progress and to provide peer support for the length of the program.
To submit a Veteran Diversion Application Click Here.