The Competency Diversion Pilot Project (CDPP) is to promote more productive treatment-based alternatives for the long-term success of persons charged with criminal misdemeanor cases who are experiencing mental illness and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Under the program, individuals are diverted from traditional criminal justice processing into alternative systems of engagement with personalized and timely support services, mental health treatment, wraparound services, and/or social services to reduce rates of recidivism and provide opportunities for treatment and rehabilitation.

As early as possible in the criminal case and prior to trial or competency being raised, all parties may agree that the defendant will participate in the Competency Diversion Pilot Program.  In order for the defendant to be eligible for the program, the participant must: (1) be charged with a misdemeanor(s), including traffic case (excluding a DWI), (2) be severely mentally ill as indicated by an objective screening tool, and (3) have a recent history of competency being raised as an adult or juvenile, or have been court ordered a Treatment or Plenary Guardian, or have a history of being court ordered to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), or a history of civil inpatient commitment. Minimum participation time in the program is three months, with maximum time up to one year, as agreed upon by the attorneys. 

Judge Nina Safier presides over the pilot project.