Rule 4 Screening Process

To determine eligibility and the appropriate level of treatment, support services, and community supervision, each participant shall be assessed regarding mental health, substance use, and criminogenic risks and needs.

(a) Preliminary Mental Health Screen. Law enforcement officers responding to individuals with suspected mental health needs, or detention center staff at the earliest opportunity in the booking process, shall screen individuals using the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen (Form A in the Appendix of Forms) or a comparable screening instrument. If the screening indicates an individual may suffer from SMI, the officer or detention center staff shall not only immediately refer the individual for a more thorough evaluation but also actively facilitate the evaluation by a qualified community health provider. The officer or detention center staff will notify the diversion court case manager and the prosecutor, either city or state, when a person is referred for a clinical evaluation. If the screening does not indicate SMI, the individual shall follow the traditional criminal justice track.

(b) Clinical Evaluation. Within twenty-four hours of referral, the designated community health provider shall evaluate the individual in the detention center or another location if more appropriate. If the evaluation results in a qualifying diagnosis, the provider shall notify the diversion court case manager and the prosecutor and refer the individual for a criminogenic risk assessment and actively facilitate the assessment. If the screening does not indicate SMI, the individual shall follow the traditional criminal justice track.

(c) Criminogenic Risk Assessment. The individual shall undergo a criminogenic risk assessment within twenty-four hours of referral, or if the referral is made on a weekend, within a reasonably prompt timeframe that allows the diversion court to enroll the candidate within 72 hours of any arrest. The assessor shall use the Ohio Risk Assessment Tool or a comparable assessment tool. The assessor shall notify the diversion court case manager of the assessment results. If the assessment validates a very high, high, or moderate risk/need category, the individual shall be considered for the diversion court track. If the assessment shows a low risk/need category, the individual shall follow the traditional criminal justice track.