Since launching in Kentucky in January of 2023, the Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program has had more than 760 graduates. It allows certain non-violent, non-sexual misdemeanors and class D felonies charges to be dismissed. Participant’s substance abuse or mental health disorders need to be contributing factors to their criminal acts to qualify.
The director of the program, Sarah Johnson, said the initiative focuses on helping defendants reach and maintain sobriety, and reenter society.
“What’s really unique about this program is the intervention so early in the criminal justice system and the dismissal of charges. Because we know criminal convictions and they criminal history creates its own set of barriers,” said Johnson
The conditional dismissal program connects defendants with local rehabilitation services and mental health professionals. After treatment, they are connected to education and labor resources.
There are currently 17 counties using the program and Aaron Poynter with the Kentucky Office of Adult Education said they are preparing to expand.
“Being able to take the best practice framework of ‘this is our goal’ and really go to these counties and say, ‘how can we make this program work for you?’ How can we make the biggest impact utilizing the funds, utilizing our resources to make that impact that they’re going to see the direct benefit,” said Poynter.
Locally, only Clark, Lewis, and Greenup counties participate.