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PROVO -- A specially designed court system for people with mental illness also appears to be saving taxpayers a lot of money on the side.
Mental health courts focus on treatment rather than jail time for the mentally that are competent to stand trial. A Wasatch Mental Health study says in Utah County alone the 46 people in the mental health court systems spent 634 fewer days in jail. They say those days out of jail saved taxpayers $50,000.
"It's a huge cost saver," said Provo Justice Court Judge Rick Romney. "That's not the main thing. That's kind of an ancillary to the main benefit. The main benefit is they are receiving help they desperately need."
Romney says in mental health court defendants must attend counseling, take their prescribed medications, and report to the court every week as part of their plea in abeyance that keeps them out of jail.
"In mental health court if they've had a good week, they receive a round of applause. You don't see that in regular court," said Romney.
He also says mental health court is a better option than the revolving door the mentally ill can find themselves if they don't get any help.
He says without the specialized court, "They may end up in jail; they may end up on the streets."
"What nationally has been found is that 95 percent of participants stay voluntarily treatment compliant. Our local statistics thus far roughly follow the same trends," explained Juergen Korbanka, the executive director of Wasatch Mental Health.
The program is a collaboration between criminal justice and mental health agencies in Utah County. Mental Health Court provides case management, treatment services, and community supervision for the purpose of improving the mental health and well being of participants, enhancing public safety, reducing clinical and legal recidivism, and improving access to mental health resources.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
