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 Overview
New York State’s Mental Health Courts handle criminal cases involving defendants with mental illness. Mental Health Courts are dedicated to improving public safety, court operations and the well-being of people with mental illness. The courts feature: a dedicated judge; specially-trained staff; resource coordination; and collaboration with technical assistance.
The first Mental Health Court opened in Kings County in 2002. Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, New York State’s Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Court Operations and Planning, oversees the Mental Health Courts and has spearheaded a statewide expansion of these courts. Currently, there are twelve Mental Health Courts in operation. Three more courts, which are in the planning phase, are expected to begin operating during 2008. Judy Harris Kluger |
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Modeled on New York State’s successful Drug Court initiative, the Mental Health Court initiative aims to provide offenders with mental illness the support and structure they need in order to avoid further criminal behavior. Mental Health Courts facilitate access to services, provide intensive judicial monitoring and promote collaboration between the court, community stakeholders, local mental health departments, mental health service providers and social service providers.
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