About LEAD

LEAD is a diversion program for low-level, non-violent, drug-related (potential) crimes. It provides intensive case management with a harm reduction approach prioritizing safety and basic needs first. LEAD is centered at the intersection of public health, public safety and racial justice, and builds a non-punitive, community-based system of response to better address problematic or unlawful behavior that stems from unmanaged substance use, mental health challenges, or extreme poverty. LEAD is designed to provide a new pathway to long-term, community-based care for people who commit, or are at high risk of committing, law violations related to their behavioral health challenges and/or income instability. It also provides long-term, client-directed, non-coercive, street-based case-management based on harm-reduction principles.

-LEAD Support Bureau