What are "Mental Health Courts" designed to do?

Mental Health Courts are specifically designed to divert individuals with mental illnesses from the traditional criminal justice system into treatment programs. The primary goal is to address the underlying mental health issues that contribute to criminal behavior rather than simply penalizing the offender. By providing access to appropriate treatment and support, these courts aim to reduce recidivism rates among individuals with mental health conditions and promote rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The focus on treatment leads to an overall benefit to both the individual and society, as it helps individuals regain stability in their lives, which can reduce the likelihood of future offenses. This approach acknowledges that many individuals in the criminal justice system may be suffering from untreated mental health issues and seeks to remediate those issues through supportive interventions instead of purely punitive measures.