Last month I wrote about programs in place to help prevent those with mental illness from committing crimes. However, sometimes people who have a mental illness do commit crimes and find themselves in the system. Luckily, there are alternatives to traditional methods of probation or incarceration. These methods are aimed at rehabilitation and helping a defendant get the support necessary to address any mental health needs, or substance abuse issues that co-occur with these mental health needs.
One of these programs is known as Bridges. This program helps defendants who may not be competent to proceed. A court liaison is assigned to help “bridge” the gap between behavioral health professionals, attorneys, judges, pretrial services, and criminal justice professionals. This liaison helps people who do not have the financial resources or family support to stay connected to court-ordered mental health resources within the community while their case is pending.
There is also a mental health diversion program that works with defendants who have been charged with low-level offenses. The defendant is diverted out of the normal court track and into one that better serves their individualized needs. Ultimately, their case will be dismissed at the end of six months if they agree to enroll in mental health services, stay enrolled and engaged in those services, and not pick up any new criminal offenses during that time. This is a great alternative to normal probation and allows a successful defendant to keep their record clear of the criminal conviction.
Amanda Duhon
Next month, I examine additional mental health programs within the Larimer County criminal justice system that are meant to address the defendant’s mental health needs who commit serious offenses or have a lengthy criminal history.
~ Amanda Duhon, Deputy District Attorney, Eighth Judicial District 970-498-7200.