The CJAC completed its third full fiscal year on June 30, 2021. Tough. Hard. Difficult. Messy. Challenging. Exhausting. Tumultuous. Not excuses but apt descriptors that highlight the struggles of trying to implement justice system reforms during a global pandemic, social unrest, and a toxic political climate. Nevertheless, the foundations of progress mentioned in previous CJAC Annual Reports continues to show evidence of system change.
LEGISLATURE PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE FUNDING
Arrestees Detained in Jail by Gender 1 Year Average for FY 21 l r r f r
The Vera Institute for Justice’s 2016 report regarding needed reforms to the OK County criminal justice system, highlighted the need for focused attention on diversion especially for those facing mental illness and addiction. In fact, the 5th Recommendation in the Vera report proposes that the Oklahoma County justice system expand meaningful diversion program options, focusing on those with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. A major factor for the reduction in the jail’s overcrowding has been due to the response on this 5th Recommendation. However, numerous stakeholders believe more can be done to further reduce the jail population with more expansion of such programs. For years, service providers, program supporters, families of loved ones and those trapped in the throws of mental illness and substance abuse disorders have petitioned the Legislature for more funding toward diversion efforts. In the 2021 legislative session, the State Legislature not only passed legislation to assist diversion efforts but also wrote some checks to fund those efforts.
15%
85%
Male Female l l
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