Better Information: An on-site clinical team performs detailed psycho-social assessments of each defendant referred to the Mental Health Court. This information is used in two ways. First, it allows the judge to make more informed decisions about defendants, enabling him to gauge the nature of defendants' illnesses—and the risks they pose to public safety—in a much more nuanced way. Second, the information is used to craft individualized treatment plans for each defendant, matching them to appropriate counseling and service programs.

Judicial Monitoring: Every defendant in the Mental Health Court is required to return to Court regularly to meet with case managers and appear before the judge to report on progress in treatment. This keeps the judge engaged with the defendant for the life of the case and underlines for the defendant the seriousness of the process.

Project director Lucille Jackson confers with a client in court.

Accountability: The Court uses a broad array of graduated rewards and sanctions to respond to progress and setbacks in treatment, coordinating its responses with treatment providers to help motivate defendants to comply with their individualized treatment plans. Where appropriate, treatment plans are modified to help defendants achieve stability. Regular monitoring of progress in treatment also holds service providers accountable to the judge. Defendants who comply with all treatment mandates have their criminal charges dismissed or reduced.

Coordinated Services: In addition to grappling with mental health issues, many defendants also must confront homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and serious health problems. Accordingly, the Mental Health Court works with a broad network of government and not-for-profit service providers to address these interrelated issues.