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Contact The Jericho Project
We’re here Monday – Friday
Monday – Friday · 8:00am – 4:30pm
Main Office
201 Poplar Ave, Suite 2-01
Memphis, TN 38103
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The Jericho Project is open to all Shelby County defendants — not only SCPD clients. Any defendant, attorney, judge, or family member can request a screening. Call (901) 222-2800.
The Jericho Project connects eligible defendants with serious mental illness to community-based mental health treatment, rather than jail or prison. It is free, it is fast, and it is open to every Shelby County defendant who qualifies — regardless of who their attorney is.
What We Do
Launched in the early 2000s, the Jericho Project has become a national model for mental health diversion in the criminal justice system. Rather than cycling people with serious mental illness through jails and prisons — where they rarely receive adequate care — Jericho connects them with treatment, housing support, case management, and community supervision.
Who May Qualify
- Shelby County resident with a pending charge in General Sessions or Criminal Court
- A diagnosed or suspected serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression)
- Willing to engage in treatment, case management, and community supervision
What Happens in Diversion
Participants are connected with a community mental health provider for ongoing treatment and case management. A Jericho Project case worker monitors progress and maintains contact with the court. Successful completion of the program typically results in dismissal or reduction of the original charge.
How to Access Jericho
Screening begins before arraignment. If you or someone you know has been charged and may have a mental illness, contact us at (901) 222-2800 and ask for the Jericho Project — or ask any attorney, judge, or court officer for a referral. You do not need to be an SCPD client.
Common Questions
Is Jericho only for SCPD clients?
No. Any Shelby County defendant who meets the criteria can be referred to the Jericho Project, regardless of who their attorney is.
What happens to the original charge?
Clients and other defendants who participate in the Jericho Project may be released without having to pay bail or granted probation after pleading guilty. In some cases, clients may have their cases dismissed upon successful completion of the program.
How long does the program last?
Program length varies by participant, but most participants are engaged for at least 120 days. The focus is on stability and sustained recovery, not a fixed timeline.
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