### Question
How is the "preliminarily qualified offender" defined?


### Answer
The term **preliminarily qualified offender** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 3797aa* as follows -

> an adult or juvenile accused of a nonviolent offense who—


(A)(i) previously or currently has been diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional as having a mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 3797aa*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 46-JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT > SUBCHAPTER XIX-ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAM GRANTS**

