HB245 Behavioral Health Docket Act helps both society and individuals with a mental illness. It would allow more defendants who could benefit from the supervision and services of a specialized mental health court to participate. It does not change current requirements that the prosecution, defense, the defendant and the judge all must agree that participation is a preferred option in an individual case, and that the defendant can be helped by completing the rigid requirements of the program. Behavioral Health Dockets have demonstrated success across Virginia. Having retired from working in both the criminal justice and behavioral health systems, I have seen this success and strongly support the bill.
HB245 Behavioral Health Docket Act helps both society and individuals with a mental illness. It would allow more defendants who could benefit from the supervision and services of a specialized mental health court to participate. It does not change current requirements that the prosecution, defense, the defendant and the judge all must agree that participation is a preferred option in an individual case, and that the defendant can be helped by completing the rigid requirements of the program. Behavioral Health Dockets have demonstrated success across Virginia. Having retired from working in both the criminal justice and behavioral health systems, I have seen this success and strongly support the bill.