A Justice Navigator assists clients with maintaining compliance with criminal legal system involvement. This includes pre-trial bond compliance, court reminders, payment plans, Rule 8 motion referrals, assisting with court-ordered conditions, advocating in court, guidance to appropriate diversion programs, connecting to pre-trial bond release programs, warrant assistance, creating discharge plans for those being released from Oklahoma County jail, and any other justice needs that a client requires assistance with. The Justice Navigators are experts in navigating the criminal legal system and collaborate very closely with all the court parties involved to make the largest impact over time.

A Case Manager assists clients with becoming self-sufficient and stable by connecting clients to needed resources. The client and Case Manager will work together to create a case plan that addresses critical needs and highlights the client’s strengths. This will act as a road map for the duration of the client’s involvement with Diversion Hub. The Case Manager also has an understanding of the court system which helps ensure that the client’s needs can be met in a way that will assist them in ending their involvement with the criminal legal system.

Misdemeanor Diversion Program is a program that provides the opportunity for individuals charged with a misdemeanor in Oklahoma County to engage with Diversion Hub for a 90-day period to address client barriers and connect them to needed services. Those who are qualified and approved may plea into the program either in the misdemeanor disposition docket or while they are still in custody. Throughout the pendency of the program, the client is to engage with their Case Manager in working towards completing an individualized case plan to meet their needs. If the client has engaged in program services, they will successfully graduate and have their charges dismissed without any costs owed by them.

Oklahoma County Treatment Courts are evidence-based alternatives to incarceration programs that are primarily focused on helping individuals with substance use disorders and/or a diagnosed mental health illness. Throughout the program, they will engage with treatment providers, attend consistent court appearances, drug test regularly, and work to complete multiple stability focused objectives. Diversion Hub’s Treatment Recovery Navigation team exists to help navigate the initial plea in process with participants, aid with successful transition into the program, connect individuals with stability services, and assist them with obtaining required goals that allow phasing up in the program. The navigators are present in court and available to help participants with needs throughout the duration of the program.

Court-Ordered Outpatient Program (CO-OP) is an Oklahoma County alternative to incarceration program that allows those whose mental health is a clear contributor to their criminal charges to dismiss their case with the agreement that they will engage consistently with mental health treatment for 12 months. The CO-OP navigation team works with those who are in the program to be a first point of contact and to guide them through some or all 12 months. A CO-OP navigator will focus on picking up new participants from the jail, coordinating treatment appointments, maintaining communication with all relevant parties of the program, collaborating with the CO-OP Coordinator, and connecting participants to supportive resources.

Operating within the jail, the DIRECT program identifies individuals in custody who qualify for pre-trial bond assistance or diversion programs. The Diversion Liaison’s on the team travel throughout the jail to survey individuals who were recently booked in. The survey results are then categorized and used to refer individuals to programs, with most referrals typically being made within the arraignment docket by a court imbedded Diversion Hub employee. The Diversion Liaisons are also able to help coordinate jail releases to Diversion Hub, assist with retrieving information about those in custody, and communicate with referral agencies. Through these coordinated efforts, more individuals can be connected to diversion programs leading to a subsequent reduction in both the average length of stay in the Oklahoma County Detention Center and the overall jail population.

Employment Navigation focuses on providing individualized skill-building and employment connections. This program starts with an in-depth employment skills course followed by one-on-one appointments with a trained Employment Navigator. Employment Navigators provide assistance with resume building, opportunities for job training and certifications, employment skills building, and connection to job opportunities. In addition, the Employment Navigation Coordinator connects with potential employers to build a streamlined avenue for job placement.

SOAR stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery which is a national program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to link people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to disability income benefits. Diversion Hub has a dedicated SOAR Case Manager that assists clients in applying for social security benefits. Through this service, individuals will receive financial stability, improving their overall wellness and reducing their encounters with the legal system.

The STAND-UP initiative is a 26-week course that assists 18–24-year-olds impacted by the justice system, both in-custody in the Oklahoma County Jail and in-person at the Diversion Hub. Through peer support and a mentorship-focused approach, the initiative aims to teach participants to identify their trauma, manage their anger, and build healthy relationships to eliminate the possibility of re-engaging with the criminal legal system.

Oklahoma County judges opt in to the Diversion Hub failure to appear program and agree to send lists of individuals who failed to appear for court. Instead of issuing a warrant the day the individual fails to appear, the judge allows a limited amount of time for a Justice Navigator to contact the individual. Once contact is made, the Justice Navigator works alongside the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, and then the client is given a new court date to appear at. The Justice Navigator maintains communication with the client and reminds them of the new court date, ensuring court compliance and warrant prevention.

Diversion Hub partners with the Oklahoma County judiciary to identify individuals in custody on non-violent charges who are eligible for an own recognizance (OR) bond, working to support their safe and successful release. While individuals are still in custody, Diversion Hub staff meet with them to identify their needs and create a personalized discharge plan. The following day, individuals are released directly to Diversion Hub staff, who pick them up from the jail, provide immediate basic needs support, and connect them to continued case management and justice navigation services. By addressing barriers like transportation, housing, and other urgent needs, Diversion Hub helps individuals stabilize and take their next steps forward, reducing the likelihood of future system involvement and promoting long-term success in the community.