Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim established the Innovative Justice Initiative in 2016 as a collaborative approach to bringing county and community partners together and promote innovative justice reform strategies. The initiative unites a diverse group that includes criminal justice, and behavioral health partners, elected officials, law enforcement, community resource providers, and members of the public.

The common goal is to improve public safety and community health through innovative strategies. Since 2016, this continuously expanding group has collaborated to guide local criminal justice reform and implement programming to assist in diverting individuals from the traditional criminal justice system. Monthly meetings allow for information sharing, collaboration, networking and goal setting and tracking. The initiative has resulted in improved services for victims, fewer trial delays, and expanded diversion opportunities for those living with mental illness concerns and/or substance use disorder. The group has successfully lobbied for a new county Criminal Justice Coordinator position and a Justice Resource Center. 

Areas of focus include:

• Reducing recidivism rates

• Decreasing the amount of time individuals spend in the Thurston County Jail and enhancing the services they receive for mental health and SUD during incarceration

• Mental health and substance use disorder, increased access to treatment and essential community services and resources

• Reducing costs to the criminal justice system

• Racial Disparity and Disproportionality within the justice system

• Increased hope and chances for recovery during the reentry process

• Harm reduction for both the individual and community

Innovative Justice contributors include:

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