Liaison and diversion
Liaison and diversion (L&D) services are commissioned by the NHS to help reduce health inequalities and reoffending. They identify people with mental health problems, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders.
The service can support people:
- through the early stages of the criminal justice system;
- by referring them for appropriate health or social care; or
- by diverting them away from the criminal justice system into a more appropriate setting, if required.