The specialized court will focus on people whose "criminal behavior is a byproduct of the mental illness," District Judge Rebecca Nightingale said.

A docket is projected to start in January or February on a one-day-a-week basis, with funding resources available to handle 50 people at this time, officials said.

Special District Judge Kirsten Pace is expected to handle the docket.

"There are far in excess of 50 people who qualify and have a need," said Nightingale, who will supervise the court's progress for the district judges.

The intent is to divert nonviolent offenders with significant mental ailments into treatment programs in the community, rather than keep them locked up in jail.

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