Mental Health Court

What is Mental Health Court?

Mental Health Court is a collaborative effort between the Criminal Justice System and Community Mental Health that strives to improve the quality of life for the individual, increase public safety, and reduce costs for the community.

Mental Health Court Information Sheet (PDF)

Who is eligible for the Mental Health Court?

• Participants who reside out of county will be considered a case by case basis.
• Must have pending misdemeanor or felony charges, must meet high-risk high-need target population.
• Assessed as having a persistent and serious mental illness or developmental disability.
• Participants may not have a history of violent offenses.

What is the structure of Mental Health Court?

The Van Buren County Mental Health Court is a minimum 12-month program, comprised of 5 phases. The program involves intensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment, treatment planning, case management, court review hearings, substance abuse testing, and referrals to ancillary service agencies.

Why participate in Mental Health Court?

• Assistance with medication stabilization and treatment for your mental health illness and if needed, treatment for your substance use disorder.
• Continuous support through group attendance, court appearances and probation reporting.
• Possible charge reduction or case dismissal.
• Possible reduced jail or no jail.

How do I get started?

Potential participants may be identified by various sources including:

• Defense attorneys
• Family members
• Jail staff
• Judges
• Law enforcement
• Prosecutors
• Treatment providers

Contact Information

For questions, contact Specialty Court:

Phone: 269-657-8200 ext. 2478

Email Specialty Courts

Mental Health Court Eligibility Form