JusticeLink I.D. is a new mental health diversion program that addresses mental health and protects public safety. By Jennifer Webb-McRae, Cumberland County Prosecutor
As the Cumberland County prosecutor, I want to talk to you about a very important program that was just launched in our local court system (and is available in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties). It is called JusticeLink I.D. (Identify. Divert.), and it helps people who are struggling with serious mental health challenges get the help they need.
Many times, people with illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia end up in the criminal justice system because they did not get the mental health support they needed earlier. This program gives us a new way to help them while also keeping our community safe.
Entry into the program is carefully screened by assistant prosecutors to make sure it is only used for individuals who can safely remain in the community. This program is meant for people whose offenses are strongly connected to their mental health challenges. Before anyone is allowed to join, our team reviews their case to make sure they do not pose a danger to others. Once accepted, they are closely monitored by the Court while they receive treatment and support. This balance helps us protect public safety while still giving people a chance to heal and rebuild their lives.
Integral to that screening process is making sure the voices of victims are heard. When we understand what victims experienced, we can better see how the person’s mental health struggles may have led to the harmful behavior that caused the charges. I have found from listening to victims and supporting their need for safety, most victims appreciate that we work to create solutions that address the root cause of the offending behavior—like untreated mental illness.
Oftentimes the offenders are family members or people that victims know and care about and who they just want to see get the help they need. When we help individuals get healthy and stable, we reduce the chance of creating new victims and build a safer Cumberland County for everyone.
JusticeLink I.D. works by connecting people to doctors, counselors, case managers, and other helpers who understand mental health. Instead of only focusing on punishment, we look at why the person got into trouble. If their mental health played a big role, we can give them a chance to get treatment, stay on track, and build a more stable life.
This program is completely voluntary, and each person must pass a careful legal and clinical review before joining. Once they are accepted, they will be mandated to comply with treatment and medication recommendations and begin to receive care right away.
The support they will receive is robust. They may get therapy, medical care, housing help, transportation, and other services that make daily life easier. A special team—including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, mental health providers, and peer mentors—works together to guide each participant. This teamwork is important because no single agency can solve every challenge someone faces. By working together, we can help people succeed.
Participation will last one to two years. Participants meet with the court often at first, and then less as they become more stable. If they finish all parts of the program successfully (which will include treatment and medication compliance), their criminal charges can be dismissed and expunged. That means they can move forward in life without a record holding them back.
JusticeLink I.D. protects public safety while showing compassion. When people get the mental health care they need, they are less likely to return to the justice system, and more likely to become healthy, stable members of our community. This program shows that we can hold people accountable while still helping them heal.
Our community is strongest when we support one another. If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime that you believe is primarily related to a mental health struggle, help is finally here. JusticeLink I.D. is one way we are working to build a safer, healthier future for everyone.
For more information about JusticeLink I.D. go to: https://njccpo.gov/justicelink-i-d
The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates.
The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or melissani@cumberlandcountynj.gov
