Mental Health Court Pilot Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In April 2009, Wayne County implemented the 3rd Circuit Mental Health Program. This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive, judicially monitored psychiatric treatment for individuals who are inmates in the Wayne County Jail, charged with or on probation for nonviolent felonies and eligible for the Mental Health Diversion program or are Mental Health Diversion probation violators The program is based on the evidence that greater judicial supervision increases the likelihood of consistent mental health and substance abuse participation, as well as consistent monitoring of medications. In addition, the enhanced services provided by case managers to monitor and advocate for participants increases participant commitment and participation in treatment. Since the effort started, the 3rd Circuit mental Health Court pilot program has enabled 53 individuals to obtain the additional judicially supervised continuum of care needed. Results have also shown improved court case processing, better facilitation of inmate participation in effective mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment and reduced recidivism indicators. Finally, early screening of individuals in the Wayne County Jail allows for intervention with medication and knowledge of a service plan before release.