Diversion of Individuals with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System in Ghana

ABSTRACT

The overrepresentation of individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system is a major challenge facing criminal justice and mental health professionals and policy makers. This article discusses the recently enacted diversion legislation aimed at intercepting and transferring individuals with mental illness to mental health facilities for treatment in Ghana. Importantly, recommendations aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the diversion legislation using the Sequential Intercept Model have been proffered. Efforts to improve the organization and delivery of mental health services, as well as effective collaboration between the criminal justice and public mental health systems should be given priority.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversion
• individuals with mental illness
• Sequential Intercept Model
• Ghana
• Africa