Atlanta's Diversion Center Struggles to Meet Goals

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Atlanta's new Center for Diversion and Services, designed to keep low-level offenders with mental health and substance abuse issues out of the Fulton County Jail, is falling short of its goals. The center has the capacity to treat about 40 people per day but has only treated around 3 people per day since opening, totaling just 1,400 people in the past year. Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts blames the Atlanta Police Department for not diverting enough people to the center, while the APD says the admission criteria are too strict.

Why it matters

The diversion center is a critical part of Atlanta's efforts to address human rights issues and improve conditions at the overcrowded and controversial Fulton County Jail ahead of the city hosting the World Cup this summer. Its low usage raises concerns about whether the center is fulfilling its intended purpose.

The details

The Center for Diversion and Services was opened in October 2024 to provide an alternative to jail for low-level offenders struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. However, since opening, the center has only treated about 1,400 people total, or around 3 per day, far below its 40-person daily capacity. Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts says the Atlanta Police Department and other local law enforcement should be diverting more people to the center, while the APD argues the admission criteria are too strict.

• The Center for Diversion and Services opened in October 2024.
• Since opening, the center has treated about 1,400 people total, or around 3 per day.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Advocates point out the center will be a necessary part of Atlanta's human rights efforts around this summer's World Cup, so city and county leaders will need to work to increase utilization of the facility.