The ACLU of Southern California is gratified to see the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors invest $20 million in comprehensive diversion programs for people with mental illness who have committed non-violent offenses. As we noted in our July 2014 report, A Way Forward, there are myriad benefits to such community-based programs. Diversion helps save lives, improves public safety and saves taxpayer dollars. We urge the supervisors to continue to support District Attorney Jackie Lacey’s efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive diversion program across the county.Contact: Sandra Hernandez, 213.977.5252, shernandez@aclusocal.org
