Feature
Spotlight on JMHCP and Local Programs Database: Chatham-Savannah, GA
Each month, the Justice Center spotlights collaborative criminal justice/mental health initiatives that have received funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP).
The Chatham-Savannah Mental Health Court (CSMHC) began in September of 2007. The program targets adults who have a documented primary mental health diagnosis with or without a co-occurring substance abuse disorder and have been charged with a non-violent misdemeanor or felony. The program plans to expand its capacity by adding one case manager; participating in various training events; and incorporating other elements to the program such as drug screens and Sheriff's Department supervision.
Number of participants per year: Under 50
Clinical eligibility criteria:The court accepts participants with Axis I diagnoses if the diagnoses correspond to state criteria for “serious and/or persistent mental illness.”
Starting this month, the Justice Center will also spotlight profiles from the Local Programs Database (LPD) that detail interesting collaborative criminal justice/mental health initiatives from around the country. This month the Justice Center spotlights the Chatham-Savannah Mental Health Court, a 2009 JMHCP expansion grantee, former 2006 planning grantee, and an active participant on the LPD.
Program Summary
The Chatham-Savannah Mental Health Court (CSMHC) began in September of 2007. The program targets adults who have a documented primary mental health diagnosis with or without a co-occurring substance abuse disorder and have been charged with a non-violent misdemeanor or felony. The program plans to expand its capacity by adding one case manager; participating in various training events; and incorporating other elements to the program such as drug screens and Sheriff's Department supervision.
Profile Highlights:
Mental health docket frequency: WeeklyNumber of participants per year: Under 50
Clinical eligibility criteria:The court accepts participants with Axis I diagnoses if the diagnoses correspond to state criteria for “serious and/or persistent mental illness.”
Clinical exclusion criteria:
- Primary substance use disorders
- Developmental disabilities
- Traumatic brain injuries
Legal eligibility criteria:
- Ordinance offenses/violations
- Misdemeanors
- Misdemeanor probation violations
- Felonies (property)
- Felonies (nonviolent)
- Felony probation violations
For more information about this court, please visit http://consensusproject.org/program_examples/chatham_savannah_mental_health_court.