PRIORITIZATION OF FUNDING FOR DIVERSION OF PERSONS FROM INCARCERATION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES

(a) A local mental health authority may develop and may prioritize its available funding for: (1) a system to divert members of the priority population, including those members with co-occurring substance abuse disorders, before their incarceration or other contact with the criminal justice system, to services appropriate to their needs, including: (A) screening and assessment services; and (B) treatment services, including: (i) assertive community treatment services; (ii) inpatient crisis respite services; (iii) medication management services; (iv) short-term residential services; (v) shelter care services; (vi) crisis respite residential services; (vii) outpatient integrated mental health services; (viii) co-occurring substance abuse treatment services; (ix) psychiatric rehabilitation and service coordination services; (x) continuity of care services; and (xi) services consistent with the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments model; (2) specialized training of local law enforcement and court personnel to identify and manage offenders or suspects who may be members of the priority population; and (3) other model programs for offenders and suspects who may be members of the priority population, including crisis intervention training for law enforcement personnel. (b) A local mental health authority developing a system, training, or a model program under Subsection (a) shall collaborate with other local resources, including local law enforcement and judicial systems and local personnel. (c) A local mental health authority may not implement a system, training, or a model program developed under this section until the system, training, or program is approved by the department.