Michigan's Ionia County jail diversion program provides services for mentally ill offenders, reducing recidivism and saving the county an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 in monthly incarceration costs, the Grand Rapids Press reported on July 27.

Participants receive a combination of mental health care, substance use treatment and assistance finding jobs or housing.

Between 80 and 100 individuals participate in the program annually, on average.

'It's been a real collaboration on the part of police, corrections personnel, prosecutors and judges, who've received training on how to identify individuals who might be a good candidate for the program,' said Ionia County Sheriff Dwain Dennis.

'It's generally understood, between all of us involved, that putting someone who has a history of mental illness behind bars only exacerbates the situation, when what they really need is professional help.'