Yolo County Public Defender Secures $585,000 State Grant To Launch Targeted Mental Health Diversion Program

Yolo County Public Defender secures grant for the CONNECT program, offering case management and treatment to divert mentally ill defendants from jail.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:02 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Sacramento Bee

Expanding Resources for Mental Health Advocacy

The Yolo County Public Defender’s Office is set to enhance its support for defendants with mental illnesses through the introduction of a new pretrial diversion initiative. Supported by a $585,000 grant from the state Public Defender’s Office, the county will launch the CONNECT program, which stands for Client-Oriented Navigation, Engagement, Care and Treatment. This funding, accepted by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors in February, is designed to assist individuals whose mental health diagnoses contributed to their alleged crimes. According to Public Defender Tracie Olson, the objective is to transform mental health diversion from a mere procedural option into a highly effective tool for rehabilitation and legal relief.

Strategic Staffing and Barrier Removal

To execute the CONNECT program, the Public Defender’s Office will hire two new behavioral health case managers and assemble a dedicated team of peer mentors. These specialists will join the office’s existing staff of mitigation experts, including licensed social workers, to provide comprehensive wraparound services. The new team will focus specifically on identifying eligible candidates and helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Tracie Olson noted that the program aims to eliminate common obstacles such as appointment scheduling, transportation issues, and the difficulties of managing Medi-Cal requirements, ensuring that defendants are positioned for long-term success.

Legal Framework and Eligibility Requirements

Pretrial mental health diversion in California allows defendants to receive treatment instead of facing traditional criminal penalties, provided they meet specific criteria. Under state law, a court must consult with both prosecutors and defense attorneys to determine if a mental illness played a role in the offense and if the individual poses a manageable safety risk. Participants who successfully adhere to a court-approved care plan can ultimately have their charges dismissed, effectively keeping the incident off their permanent criminal record. The CONNECT program is specifically designed to facilitate this resource-heavy eligibility process, which often requires extensive documentation and clinical assessment.