Atlanta’s jail diversion program suspends services over contract dispute with Mayor Dickens’ office

Atlanta’s jail diversion program announced Jan. 1 it has suspended community response services to residents experiencing homelessness or mental health issues because its contract with the city has expired.

Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) posted on social media that its contract with the city expired Dec. 31, and it was halting its mobile response services to ATL311 and the Atlanta Police Department until a new contract was agreed upon.

In a news release, the city said the APD’s HOPE (Homeless Outreach Prevention and Engagement) team would provide diversion services “until a new contract can be finalized with a qualified contractor.”

PAD’s announcement comes after a months-long contract dispute between the nonprofit and Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration. Dickens’ top officials have said they are concerned PAD is not getting people off the streets based on the millions in funding the organization has been provided by the city over the years.

A Jan. 2 city news release said, “The previous agreement lacked the necessary performance metrics that would ensure taxpayers were getting the services for which they paid. The updated contract, complete with new performance metrics, was agreed to by PAD.”

But PAD counters it is not a law enforcement agency and will not move someone or force someone take actions without their consent. Instead, PAD employees build rapport with individuals to determine immediate needs and work with them to reduce harm reduction to themselves and others.

The Atlanta City Council finally voted on Nov. 18 to approve extending PAD’s $5 million contract for two years.

Councilmember Amir Farokhi, the lead sponsor of the legislation to extend PAD’s contract, told Rough Draft he was “disappointed that things have fallen apart.”

“Regardless of who is at fault, the city needs mobile support services. We are safer for it and I trust this public safety service will be restored to full strength as soon possible,” he said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The post Atlanta’s jail diversion program suspends services over contract dispute with Mayor Dickens’ office appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.