Behavioral Health Court
For more information – contact the Behavioral Health Court Coordinator:
Brigitte Smith
Mission Statement
The 1st Judicial District Behavioral Health Court (BHC) promotes public safety by holding justice-involved individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses accountable for their behavior while providing treatment and support through a team-based approach and frequent judicial monitoring
We recognize every participant as an individual who must be treated with respect and dignity to promote positive and productive life changes. We strive to identify and treat mental health and/or substance abuse issues that contribute to criminal justice involvement by coordinating and collaborating with community-based services and criminal justice agencies.
The goals of the Behavioral Health Court are to:
Increase public safety by reducing criminal recidivism.
Facilitate participants’ self-awareness and insight into physical and mental health.
Increase compliance with prescribed medication and treatment plans.
Improve access to mental health benefits and other needed services.
Increase social stability in the areas of housing, education, and employment.
Reduce economic impact to the criminal justice system and to the community due to untreated criminogenic mental health issues.