CARRBORO, NC – A natural problem solver, Monrita Hughes is busy making community connections in her new position as diversion social worker for the Carrboro Police Department.
Previously, Hughes worked with adults with learning disabilities within the Department of Health and Human Services in Granville County. She has also served the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as a youth counselor in Chatham County, and as a juvenile court counselor in Wake County. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from NC Central University and a master’s degree in human services from Liberty University. A resident of Raleigh, she is getting to know her way around Carrboro.
“I like to problem solve, and I care about people,” Hughes said. “Through this position, I am working to make connections to help people access resources and services. Unfortunately, many people find themselves stuck through various circumstances. We are working to connect them with resources that will help.”
Her position as a diversion social worker with the Community Care and Diversion Response (CCDR) Team is part of a collaborative, pre-arrest and post-charge diversionary program for individuals with a history of serious mental illness. Funded through the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department, the position is housed within the Carrboro Police Department and works in close collaboration with law enforcement officers as well as social workers in other law enforcement agencies (Hillsborough and Chapel Hill) in Orange County.
“With Monrita on the team, I feel the police department is more equipped to respond to the needs of some of our most vulnerable community members,” Police Chief Chris Atack said. “This enhanced capability will serve the entire community as folks can get the assistance they need and be directed to helpful community resources.”
The position seeks to enhance and increase diversion efforts in the community by diverting individuals in need of mental health interventions and treatment away from law enforcement and the criminal legal system. A mission of the CCDR Team is to maximize opportunities for success in diversion with an enhanced focus on serving individuals with mental illness from marginalized backgrounds, including people of color and those experiencing homelessness.