San Antonio, Texas, January 22, 2026
San Antonio is moving forward with plans to establish a diversion center designed to treat individuals with mental health issues or disabilities, aiming to divert them from incarceration for low-level offenses. The initiative received unanimous support from the city council’s Public Safety Committee, which has authorized a feasibility study to evaluate its viability. The proposed center could significantly alleviate overcrowding in local jails by offering appropriate treatment and support services. The feasibility study is estimated to cost between $100,000 and $120,000, with an expected city contribution of $30,000.
San Antonio Moves Forward with Jail Diversion Center Plans
San Antonio, Texas – The city is advancing with plans to establish a diversion center aimed at providing treatment for individuals with mental health issues or disabilities, potentially diverting them from jail for low-level offenses. The Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) is set to commission a feasibility study to assess the viability of such a center, with the city council’s Public Safety Committee unanimously supporting the initiative on January 21, 2026.
Feasibility Study and Funding
The CHCS plans to hire a consultant to conduct the feasibility study, with the city contributing $30,000 from the San Antonio Police Department’s budget. The total cost of the study is estimated to be between $100,000 and $120,000. The proposal is expected to be presented to the full City Council in February for further discussion.
Potential Impact on Jail Overcrowding
By diverting individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues from the jail system, the diversion center aims to alleviate overcrowding at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. This approach seeks to provide appropriate treatment and support services to individuals who might otherwise face incarceration for low-level offenses.
Background and Previous Initiatives
San Antonio has previously implemented programs to address similar challenges. For instance, the Applewhite Recovery Center expanded its capacity by adding over 200 beds to offer behavioral health and substance abuse treatment to probationers, aiming to reduce jail overcrowding. Additionally, the Harris County Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center in Houston serves as a model, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of such facilities in diverting individuals from jail to treatment services.
Next Steps
The CHCS is in the process of selecting a consultant for the feasibility study. The city’s $30,000 contribution is secured, and the full City Council is anticipated to review the recommendation in February, with county partners invited to participate in the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the proposed diversion center in San Antonio?
The proposed diversion center aims to provide treatment for individuals with mental health issues or disabilities, diverting them from jail for low-level offenses.
How much is the city contributing to the feasibility study?
The city is contributing $30,000 from the San Antonio Police Department’s budget to the feasibility study.
What is the estimated total cost of the feasibility study?
The total cost of the feasibility study is estimated to be between $100,000 and $120,000.
When is the full City Council expected to review the proposal?
The full City Council is anticipated to review the proposal in February.
What is the expected impact of the diversion center on jail overcrowding?
The diversion center aims to alleviate overcrowding at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center by diverting individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues from the jail system.
Key Features of the Proposed Diversion Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Population | Individuals with mental health issues or disabilities facing low-level offenses |
| Primary Goal | Provide treatment and support services to divert individuals from jail |
| City Contribution | $30,000 from the San Antonio Police Department’s budget |
| Feasibility Study Cost | Estimated between $100,000 and $120,000 |
| Review Timeline | Full City Council review expected in February |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
