Frisco | March 2023

COUNTY Collin County launches adult mental health diversion court

CASE ELIGIBILITY Here is a list of eligibility requirements for cases to be seen by The Collin County Adult Mental Health Court.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS An individual must meet several requirements to successfully complete the program.

BY COLBY FARR

or aggravated robbery. The team aims to treat the root of the problem for individuals with mental illness instead of letting them cycle through jails, Edgeworth said. If the program can meet the needs of certain individuals now rather than waiting, it will benefit the community and the individual, she said. “What we’ve seen from programs in other counties is that it can be successful, that individuals will become well because ... they had the right treatment, and they are able to contribute to society,” she said. The specialty court team will work with community partners, such as LifePath Systems to provide mental health treatment for offenders, safeguard the community and reduce need for incarceration, according to the release. LifePath Systems operates as a not- for-profit center and is the designated behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities authority for the county. “Collin County continues to make great strides serving those with mental health concerns,” said Danielle Sneed, deputy clinical officer of LifePath Systems, in a statement. “We are proud the new diversion court for offenses involving persons with mental illness has been created and appreciate another opportunity to assist those suffering from mental health issues in the criminal justice system and provide them with services needed to remain stable.” County officials estimate the

As part of a collaborative effort between law officials, Collin County has launched a specialty court to divert offenders with mental illness into a court-supervised outpatient program, according to a February 21 news release. The Collin County Adult Mental Health Court combines mental health treatment with frequent court appear- ances, home visits, case management, counseling and community-based support services. The court began accepting eligible misdemeanor and felony cases Feb. 23. “This program is the result of a collaboration with the judges, district attorney’s office, the sheriff, [and] probation and defense lawyers to see if there’s a better way than incarcer- ation,” 219th District Court Judge Jennifer Edgeworth said. Edgeworth is overseeing the program with Judge Lance Baxter of County Court at Law 3, according to the news release. The program’s team will also include Program Coordinator Donald Bell, Case Manager Michelle Garcia, specialist Molly Craft and Defense Attorney Kim Laseter. The specialty court will be open to people 17 years old and older who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, bipolar or post-traumatic stress disorder prior to the offense. A case is not eligible if it involves a “3G” offense: murder, capital murder, indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault

Qualified for participation through the intake/screening process

Individuals must have a mental health diagnosis that was prevalent prior to their criminal offense occurring.

Completed transition to discharge plan

High school diploma or GED, if able

Continued demonstration of ability to maintain long- term sobriety

Compliance with medication management and mental health services

Deemed eligible by the presiding judge and a representative from the district attorney’s office

No driving while intoxicated-related instant offenses (applicants with previous DWI offenses may be considered)

Employed or working toward finding work, or applying for/

Complete payment of all program fees, including supervision fees, urinalysis testing fees and restitution

No history of any offenses of a sexual nature

Individuals must have a misdemeanor or felony case in Collin County.

receiving disability benefits

No “3G” offenses: murder, capital murder, indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, or aggravated robbery

Clear demonstration that the participant has been fully engaged in treatment and completed all program requirements

SOURCE: COLLIN COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

program will run from nine to 12 months, measured in three phases, for each participant. Those who complete it successfully can apply to have their cases dismissed and expunged from court records, according to the news release. To successfully complete the program, an individual must have met several requirements, including managing medication and mental

health services, demonstrating their ability to maintain long-term sobriety, and being employed or working toward employment, according to an email from Edgeworth. The specialty court was funded by a grant from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office last fall, according to the news release. The team is hoping to hear 40 eligible cases within a year of opening applica- tions, Edgeworth said.

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