The NJ State Bar Association Supports S524 (Ruiz)/A1700 (Quijano), the Mental Health Diversion Program, as a much needed measure to address the criminalization of mental health disorders. The bill will treat the cause, and not the effect, of crime at the hands of people who have mental health disorders. Its implementation will benefit all New Jerseyans by reducing recidivism, helping individuals obtain the help they need, and improving the quality of life for all involved.
