Orange County’s mental health diversion program honored by state

ALBANY – The Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program, a diversion program run by Rehabilitation Support Services, has been honored by the state.
The program began in Orange County in 2014 as a collaborative effort between Rehabilitative Support Services, local police departments, probation, and social services, to address the needs of youth in the juvenile justice system. The clinically-based program works with first time youthful offenders to identify mental health and substance abuse needs and divert youth into treatment early in the process.
The goal is to avoid further entry into the juvenile justice system, possible detention and out-of-home placement.
Since inception, the program has been expanded to cover all three cities in Orange County and is available to youths outside the high-needs areas at the request of the county Probation Department.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.