About
Our Approach
People who are diverted or referred to LEAD receive immediate access to harm reduction-based intensive case management. Based on their own goals, clients are connected to services including substance use treatment; mental health care; support in applying for health coverage, food assistance and other benefits; and assistance with shelter and permanent housing.
LEAD in Albany County operates in the cities of Albany, Cohoes, and Watervliet. Officers and other official referral sources in these jurisdictions may offer connection to services for people who are having contact with law enforcement related to substance use, mental illness, poverty or homelessness.
Data & Results
LEAD Diversions and Referrals 2016 - 2025
LEAD Diversions and Referrals 2016 - 2025
Diversions by Demographic 2016 - 2025
Diversions by Demographic 2016 - 2025
Our Commitment to Accountability
Albany LEAD is recognized by peer initiatives around the country for the breadth and depth of its public data reporting, which reflects stakeholders’ work through the Data Committee and the overall direction of the Albany LEAD Policy Coordinating Group. We report quarterly on Albany Police Department arrests and diversions. All reports are available through the Department.
Our Stakeholders
We operate based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established in June 2015 among the following participants.
Albany Office of the Mayor
Albany Police Department
Albany County Executive
Albany County District Attorney
Center for Law and Justice
Central District Management Association
Cohoes Office of the Mayor
Cohoes Police Department
St. Catherine’s Center for Children
Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region
Watervliet Office of the Mayor
Watervliet Police Department
Connect Center (Cohoes)
Cohoes-Watervliet Housing Authority
Leaders of these signatory entities make up the Policy Coordinating Group, which governs Albany LEAD. St. Catherine’s Center for Children Homeless Services is our service provider, and Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region provides project management and community engagement.
The Operational Working Group meets biweekly to share information on and coordinate services for Albany LEAD clients. It brings together operational partners who are in direct contact with individual clients: case managers; police officers; and leaders or representatives of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Alternate Public Defender, and Albany County departments of Mental Health, Probation, and Social Services.
Client Story
There are no standardized care plans for LEAD clients; each client determines their own goals.
A client became engaged with LEAD when they were homeless and about to be arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Initially they wanted to work on finding temporary shelter and obtaining Temporary Assistance for income. Alongside LEAD case managers, they achieved these goals and today have found permanent housing, obtained Social Security Disability benefits, entered and completed inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, and found employment they enjoy.
Albany was the third locality in the nation to establish a LEAD program. Today, more than 60 jurisdictions across the United States are engaged in LEAD while dozens of others are developing or exploring the concept — including locations in the United Kingdom and South Africa. More information is available from the LEAD Support Bureau.
Contact
Get in touch with Project Management by contacting Jennie Huling, at Albany LEAD, c/o Albany County Department of Mental Health, 175 Green St., Albany NY 12202 or by email at [email protected]. Please expect a response within 1-2 business days.