Atlanta's diversion center promises to help and not punish people in crisis. Here's how it will work

Officials with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County are celebrating the opening of the Center for Diversion and Services on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. The center will serve as an alternative to jail for people dealing with mental health, substance use and poverty issues. (Courtesy of the City of Atlanta)

Police across Fulton County have a new place to drop off individuals with mental health issues suspected of nonviolent and minor offenses instead of arresting and taking them to jail or a hospital emergency room.

Officials with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County opened the Center for Diversion and Services at a ceremony on Monday. Both will share the cost of the facility, which operates out of the city’s downtown detention center.

Fulton County Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman said the all-hours facility — designed for people experiencing challenges with mental health, substance use and poverty — will be a game-changer for the community.