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| County launches mental health court |
| By timesherald.com |
| Published: 09/21/2009 |
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COURTHOUSE — Hoping to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism rates among criminals with mental illnesses, Montgomery County officials have launched an innovative mental health court program. Dubbed the Behavioral Health Court, the fledgling program was launched in July and addresses the needs of people with serious mental health problems who are progressing through the court and prison systems. “The goal of the court is to protect the public while improving the outcome and quality of life for people with mental illness under community corrections supervision,” said county Judge Joseph A. Smyth, who presides over the specialty court. Initially, officials are concentrating on the county jail’s current population to identify potential candidates for the mental health court program. Since its inception eight weeks ago, the court has admitted 14 people to the program. Under the program, adult defendants with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major mood disorder or borderline personality disorder that contributed to their criminal behaviors, are connected with community treatment services while receiving appropriate dispositions to their criminal charges. The majority of offenders are accused of non-violent crimes but other crimes might possibly be considered on a case-by-case basis, officials said. Those accused of homicide are not eligible for the program. Defendants must agree to follow a court approved treatment plan, routinely meet with probation and mental health officers and report to court weekly for at least the first six months. The average length of participation in the program will be 12 to 24 months. Read More. |
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