Services Mental Health Court Overview
Statement of Philosophy
Mental Health Court is designed to provide an alternative to jail for persons with chronic mental health needs who commit crimes meeting established criteria. Mental Health Court, through intensive individualized services, will help these offenders with chronic mental health needs treat their illness, take their medication as prescribed, meet their basic food and shelter needs, and avoid expensive incarceration or hospitalization. The goal of Mental Health Court is to impose a sentence that provides maximum opportunity for the rehabilitation of the defendant, the protection of the community from further offenses by the defendant and consideration of victim’s rights and safety.
The participant is required to attend all assigned treatment activities, comply with supervision, attend status hearings on a regular basis with the presiding judge, abstain from non-prescribed drugs, and refrain from further criminal activity.
The admission into the program requires a plea of guilty to a qualifying offense as negotiated by the offender participant’s attorney and the county attorney’s office. If an offender is already on probation, this program may be added as a condition with the consent of the county attorney’s office, the defendant, and by the unanimous acceptance of the MHC team.
Please Note: Complete the application to the best of your ability.
- If a section does not apply, then please indicate (NA) to show that response
- If you are unsure then indicate that appropriately
- Applications which are incomplete may result in the delay of review for entry and could result in the denial of the application
- Failure to execute the Release of Information form will prevent consideration for admission
The defendant's attorney shall assist the applicant in completing the application.
Case Management can assist with the SWIA MHDS Region application.
It is the applicant's/attorney's duty to contact Case Management and sign the release form. This must be completed and provided to Case Management to facilitate their assistance.
