 PROBLEM-SOLVING COURTS (HOME) Integrated Domestic Violence Courts Domestic Violence Courts Drug Treatment Courts Mental Health Courts Mission and Goals Key Principles Court Locations Sex Offense Courts Youthful Offender Domestic Violence Courts Community Courts Public Access to Court Records Problem-Solving Courts Brochure Contact Us
|
 Overview
New York State’s Mental Health Courts handle criminal cases involving defendants with mental illness. Mental Health Courts are dedicated to improving public safety, court operations and the well-being of people with mental illness. The courts feature: a dedicated judge; specially-trained staff; resource coordination; and collaboration with technical assistance.
The first Mental Health Court opened in Kings County in 2002. Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, Chief of Policy and Planning for New York State Courts, oversees the Mental Health Courts and has spearheaded a statewide expansion of these courts. As of January 6, 2009 there are twenty-one* Mental Health Courts in operation. Eleven additional courts, which are in the planning phase, are expected to begin operations in 2009. * Included within this number is one Mental Health Court Connections Program. As a companion program to Mental Health Courts, the Mental Health Courts Connections Program seeks to extend the benefits of Mental Health Courts to counties that do not currently have one. Hon. Judy Harris Kluger |
|||||
Modeled on New York State’s successful Drug Court initiative, the Mental Health Court initiative aims to provide offenders with mental illness the support and structure they need in order to avoid further criminal behavior. Mental Health Courts facilitate access to services, provide intensive judicial monitoring and promote collaboration between the court, community stakeholders, local mental health departments, mental health service providers and social service providers.
|
