ABSTRACT
In the initial enthusiasm of seeking to get things done, of trying to avoid having so many mentally disordered people languishing in prison cells, the question 'diversion into what?' may seem like something of a side issue. However, it is vital to consider this question and its implications in order to secure the success of any diversion project in terms of influencing decisions, safeguarding individual mentally disordered offenders and protecting the public. Essentially the response to this question comes in two distinct but linked parts, each of which will be of considerable importance to anyone involved in planning or operating a diversion scheme; it should not be thought that one part is more important than the other. Although the drive behind the establishment of diversion schemes is the desire not to have people needlessly held in custody, this on its own is something of a negative aim.
