Reentry initiatives help reduce the likelihood of low-level, low-risk offenders returning to jail—allowing more families to stay together and, ultimately, saving taxpayers money. Diversion efforts help move people with behavioral health needs away from places like jails, detention centers, emergency rooms, and shelters—so that they can be better connected to community-based care.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)—the use of medication to treat substance use disorders—can successfully treat opioid use disorder. MAT is used to sustain recovery and prevent overdose. In 2021, the millage increased funding for medication-assisted treatment in the county jail. The jail’s MAT program supported 40 people in 2021. READ MORE
To address high recidivism rates among individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, the millage provides funding for enhanced reentry services. Services may include case management, employment assistance, housing assistance, and more. In 2021, the reentry service team assisted roughly 400 individuals. READ MORE
Youth Assessment Centers operate as a safe holding place for youth and a gateway for professional assessment, prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation. In 2021, a $20,650 millage grant paid for technical assistance from the National Assessment Center (NAC) Association to help Washtenaw County leaders begin to develop a youth assessment center. READ MORE
Thanks to millage funding, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Crisis Negotiation Team is now equipped with mental health professionals. In 2021, five millage-funded staff served as members of the team, helping police peacefully resolve crisis situations. They completed 304 hours of training and helped deescalate 12 situations. READ MORE