Community-Based Diversion Programs

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) titled “Community-Based Diversion Programs (MH253022)” to support the development or enhancement of diversion programs targeting adults with serious mental illness and/or behavioral health needs who are at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. This initiative is a continuation of OMH’s mission to foster hope and recovery for New Yorkers affected by mental illness, particularly those who intersect with law enforcement and judicial systems. It builds on the efforts of OMH’s Division of Forensic Services and Diversion Center, which have been funding similar programs since 2018 to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism through structured, community-based interventions. The program scope is defined by the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM), a framework that maps points of interception between the criminal justice and mental health systems, from community services and law enforcement to courts, jails, and reentry. The funding supports evidence-based or promising practice programs operating at any SIM intercept point to address the needs of justice-involved individuals. Awardees will be expected to reduce arrests and incarceration rates by delivering holistic services that may include treatment for mental health and substance use, support for employment and housing, and coordination with community partners. Applicants must be currently providing services in one of the eligible counties—Cayuga, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Madison, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Warren, or Washington—and must coordinate with Local Governmental Units (LGUs). Notification of intent to apply must be submitted to the relevant LGU and proof of this notification uploaded to the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Eligible applicants are restricted to not-for-profit organizations that are prequalified in SFS. The total program funding is $2,400,000, to be awarded to four organizations at $200,000 annually per awardee, over a three-year period from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029. Indirect costs are capped at 15%, and if a Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) exists, it must be used. Awardees are required to report data, participate in quality improvement activities, and attend quarterly check-in meetings. Evaluation of proposals will consider the completeness of the proposal, collaboration with LGUs, data collection strategies, programmatic effectiveness, and sustainability. The proposal must be submitted through the SFS portal by 2:00 PM EST on May 13, 2026. Questions are due by April 1, 2026, and answers will be posted by April 22, 2026. A template is provided within the SFS portal and must be used, along with specified required attachments such as a Provider Contact Form, certifications, and a detailed budget. Proposals not conforming to these technical requirements will be disqualified. Following submission, notifications of awards are expected by June 11, 2026. Contracts are subject to final approval by the NYS Attorney General and Office of the State Comptroller. Performance monitoring will be conducted in collaboration with OMH’s Diversion Center and the Bureau of Forensic Evaluation, Research, and Data Analytics (BFERDA), with a focus on outcome-driven service delivery, cross-system engagement, and compliance with data-sharing and reporting protocols.

Follow formatting requirements strictly or risk disqualification. Proof of LGU notification must be uploaded.