Diversion & Criminal Justice Reform
Background
Communities nationwide face ongoing challenges from over-incarceration, underfunded mental health systems, and limited support for individuals reentering society. As former St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney and founder of the first Congressional Caucus on Diversion and Rehabilitation, Congressman Wesley Bell is dedicated to advancing federal policies that promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and expand recovery opportunities.
His work focuses on:
- Diversion Programs – Expanding evidence-based alternatives to incarceration by supporting early intervention strategies that connect individuals to community-based treatment and services rather than the criminal justice system.
- Rehabilitation Services – Improving access to mental health care, substance use treatment, workforce development, education, and stable housing to support successful community reintegration.
- Restorative Justice – Promoting approaches that emphasize accountability, healing, and community engagement, while enabling victims, offenders, and communities to repair harm and reduce future justice system involvement.
Congressman Bell’s Position:
- Diversion programs for nonviolent offenders
- Reentry and workforce opportunities
- Reducing recidivism
- Fair sentencing practices
- Community violence intervention
- Accountability within the justice system
Legislative Actions
- Introduced the Community First Pretrial Reform Act creates a new DOJ grant program to help local communities reduce unnecessary jail time.
- Introduced the BRIDGE Act to expand workforce pathways for justice-impacted individuals and opportunity youth.
- Introduced the DART Act to expand the permitted uses of federal Byrne JAG funds to support diversion and rehabilitation before incarceration ever begins.