Deflection and Diversion
Redirecting people to care before system involvement
Deflection and diversion are evidence-based strategies that connect individuals to health and community-based services instead of arrest, prosecution, or incarceration. Through this work, TASC’s Center for Health and Justice helps communities strengthen public safety by prioritizing care, accountability, and early intervention.
CHJ partners with law enforcement agencies, public health systems, courts, service providers, and policymakers to design, implement, and strengthen deflection and diversion models tailored to local needs. These approaches engage people facing substance use, mental health challenges, or housing instability and redirect them into services that heal.
Our work spans the full continuum, from pre-arrest deflection and crisis response to post-arrest diversion and system coordination. CHJ provides technical assistance, training, and policy guidance grounded in research and informed by real-world practice.
By translating evidence into action and supporting cross-system collaboration, CHJ helps communities interrupt cycles of system involvement, reduce harm, and build more just, effective, and compassionate responses to complex public health challenges.
Youth Deflection
CHJ’s youth deflection work focuses on preventing low-level behavioral health situations from becoming entry points to the juvenile justice system by building local pathways that connect young people with appropriate support.
The Chicagoland Youth Deflection Initiative launched in May 28, 2025, with the goal of reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement with youth, limiting system entry, and strengthening young people’s engagement in school and their communities.
Veterans Deflection
CHJ’s Veterans Deflection Initiative focuses on connecting veterans to care, housing, and community-based support before justice system involvement occurs.
By building veteran-informed deflection pathways and supporting partners across Illinois with training and technical assistance, CHJ helps ensure that encounters which might otherwise lead to arrest are instead routed to services that recognize veterans’ unique experiences and needs.
Related Resources
Technical Assistance (TA) for Health and Justice System Improvements
National TA Hub for Deflection and Diversion: Supporting Deflection and Community-Based Response at Sequential Intercepts 0 and 1
Deflection: Law Enforcement/First Responders, Treatment Services, and Communities Working Together for Public Safety and Public Health
Why it matters
By combining accountability with compassion, CHJ helps transform systems so individuals, families, and communities can thrive. Every engagement is tailored to local strengths and needs — ensuring that strategies are practical, actionable, and built to last.
