The new court was designed to help reduce criminal convictions and keep more individuals out of jail or prison. It will focus on cases where a person is struggling to manage a chronic mental health condition who may pose a threat to themselves or others.
“This is an effort at doing better for people who are having mental health crises,” Jon Green, supervisor for Johnson County, told the publication. “They haven’t done anything wrong. They’ve got a health problem, just like a sprained ankle or something. And ensuring that they get equitable access to treatment is important.”
The court will consist of a judicial referee, coordinator and peer counselor who will do regular check-ins with patients and work with providers to ensure patients are staying on track with treatment. It will also assist individuals with housing, transportation and insurance.
The program will initially focus on cases involving individuals who have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression and anxiety. If the court is successful, it will expand to more mental health conditions.
Candidates for the program have yet to be appointed. The court is slated to begin in May.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.