Latino Action Network Foundation (LANF) issued the following statement from Chairman Frank Argote-Freyre in response to proposed legislation that would provide funding to expand court-based mental health diversion programs:

“When people struggle with their mental health, they need treatment to get better. New Jersey legislators have the opportunity to equitably address a gap in our state’s justice system by passing a bill that would divert some nonviolent offenders into mental health treatment programs to encourage recovery and reduce the risk of related repeat offenses.

“The justice system — more specifically prison — is not the appropriate setting for those struggling with their mental health to be rehabilitated. Supporting Bill S524/A1700 supports improving the health and well-being of those with mental health disorders, creating a safer society and reducing the cost of incarceration borne by the taxpayer by providing funding to expand court-based mental health diversion programs.

“We applaud Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, who sponsored the legislation, for understanding the critical nature of this issue as it relates to the population we serve. The two have been instrumental in raising awareness for this legislation, and we hope their colleagues in the state legislature can help bring this bill over the finish line.”