For the first time, Columbia County was chosen to be host to a mental health court. Not to come across as corny, but we think the designation is long overdue.
Adult Drug Treatment courts, Veterans Treatment Court and Domestic Violence and integrated domestic violence courts in the 3rd Judicial District were designated a “problem-solving court.” Acting Chief Administrative Judge Tamiko Amaker of the Unified Court System handed down the designation.
We can make a case for this court that drug treatment, veterans treatment and domestic violence are problems — and not always related to criminal offenses — that need to be solved. It is also a viable alternative to incarceration for people who should not be jailed for substance use traceable to mental illness. Mental health courts are collaboratives that provides specific services and treatment to defendants dealing with mental illness. They provide an alternative to the traditional court system by emphasizing a problem-solving model and connecting defendants to a variety of rehabilitative services and support networks.
Each mental health court has different participant requirements and available services. The goal is to support inmates’ successful return to society, reduce recidivism, increase public safety and improve the quality of life in the community. Mental health courts were implemented as a direct response to address inmates exhibiting underlying mental illness.
Mental health courts rely on analysis, individualized treatment plans and ongoing judicial monitoring to address both the mental health needs of offenders and public safety issues.
It’s been a long wait for this designation, and we hope those with mental illnesses will get the justice denied them by traditional courts. Justice can be an elusive thing, but a court weighing in strictly on mental health issues can and will be trusted.
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