NJ Human Services Awards Contracts to Develop Crisis Diversion Homes

April 16, 2024

(TRENTON) - Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded more than $3.6 million in contracts to develop recovery-oriented crisis diversion homes, which will provide care and services to individuals who have recently experienced a mental health crisis.

"Crisis diversion homes offer a supportive environment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and, by focusing on stabilization and empowerment, promote long-lasting recovery," said Commissioner Adelman. "We look forward to these homes operating in Warren, Mercer, and Gloucester counties and ensuring those in need get help."

The program will be funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Community Mental Health Block Grant. State funds will also be available to fund provider costs, as available and needed.

The contracts were awarded to Center for Family Services in Warren County and Legacy Treatment Services in both Mercer and Gloucester counties, with each site receiving $1,211,750 in funding. Each home will have the capacity to serve five individuals. 240 individuals are expected to be served each year at the 3 homes. Services began last month and will continue through September 30, 2025.

"These homes are meant to act as a stepping stone for those experiencing a crisis to seek long-term recovery. Getting crisis services right is critical to engaging individuals in mental health follow-up services," said Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs Human Services' Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. "Crisis diversion homes are meant to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can address the crisis and develop a plan post-discharge."

The crisis diversion homes will serve as temporary transitional housing for 30 days. The goal of these crisis homes is to link individuals to the appropriate therapeutic supports within 30 days and assist with discharge to the appropriate community setting.

Services include clinical assessment, case management, assistance with obtaining benefits, temporary housing, symptom management, medication management/education, counseling, and discharge planning.

These homes will prioritize referrals from Crisis Receiving Stabilization Centers and Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams. The homes are meant to provide stabilization, to divert hospital admissions, and to reduce emergency department visits.

The homes will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who will be served must be 18 years and older; have a serious mental illness; have the capacity to live in a transitional residential setting with therapeutic support; and have a history of co-occurring disorders.

Providers will ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural and linguistic competence are a part of the services offered.

The crisis diversion homes build on existing efforts to connect New Jersey residents with the tools and resources necessary to achieve sustained recovery. Commissioner Adelman reminds residents in need of mental health support to reach out for help through Human Services' help lines.

Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health or substance use crisis can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. 988 is free and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. People can text to 988 and can chat 988 at 988lifeline.org/chat. 988 also offers TTY services.

Those with substance use disorder can call 1-844-ReachNJ; a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week help line.

Human Services also provides the NJMentalHealthCares helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357). The line can also be reached by texting NJHOPE to 51684. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals fluent in American Sign Language can take advantage of a videophone mental health help line at 973-870-0677.

"Please don't hesitate to call if you are in need," Commissioner Adelman said. "We are here to help."

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