Mental health courts are specialized dockets for individuals with mental health issues. These dockets embrace a non-adversarial, problem-solving approach to qualifying cases. Mental health courts provide a greater focus on treatment and individualized case plans than traditional criminal dockets. Mental health court models vary, especially around the timing of participant entry. Strong coordination and judicial leadership influence the success of mental health courts.
While mental health courts may be the most appropriate fit for individuals with mental health issues, other problem-solving courts such as veterans court or co-occurring treatment courts (integrating substance use disorder and mental health treatment) should also be considered given the prevalence of co-occurring disorders. Probation-based or post-adjudication problem-solving courts are also excellent interventions in later intercepts. Eligibility should be based on objective criteria and assessments, and generally problem-solving courts should target high-risk/high-need individuals.
Learn More About Problem-Solving Courts
- *All Rise, Best Practice Standards (second edition)
- National Association of Drug Court Professionals, Best Practice Standards
- National Center for State Courts, Mental Health Court Resource Guide
- *All Rise, Incorporating Peer Recovery Support into Treatment Courts
- *Children and Family Futures, Family Treatment Courts
- Nicole L. Waters, Responding to the Need for Accountability in Mental Health Courts
- Council of State Governments Justice Center, Developing a Mental Health Court: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- Bureau of Justice Assistance, A Guide to Mental Health Court Design and Implementation
- National Center for State Courts, Mental Health Court Performance Measures
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