the honorable robert williams administrative judge polk county court cathy hatch executive director...

The Honorable Robert Williams Administrative Judge

Polk County CourtCathy Hatch

Executive DirectorNAMI Polk County

Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County

Collaboration

Overall Program Goal

Promote the safety and well being of mentally ill offenders through judicial oversight and

appropriate treatment

Polk County Mental Health Court

Polk County Mental Health Court Vision

Our vision is, on an individual basis, to treat each person’s mental health needs, and to re-connect the broken threads of trust and confidence that mentally ill offenders have lost through years of untreated mental illness. We expect responsibility and accountability for actions, but we temper those expectations with the understanding that many issues need to be resolved before mental health treatment can be effective. We are working to create a safety net for individuals, who, through loss of resources, cannot access treatment, jobs, medications and other support. Each of us believes that, if we are able to turn around even one life and make permanent changes for the future for just one person, we have done well for that person and for society as a whole. If not us, who will?

Polk County Mental Health CourtDiversion Logic Model

The Polk County Mental Health Court is a voluntary diversion of persons

charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses

who suffer from mental illnesses.Phase 1 Phase 2

Diversion Identify Eligible Persons

Comprehensive &Individually Appropriate

Community TreatmentPhase 3

Improved MentalHealth Outcomes

Improved PublicSafety Outcomes

Diversionary—removes participants from the traditional criminal justice system and offers them a second chance

Therapeutic—links participants with treatment, counseling and medications, as well as housing and other living assistance to treat the causes and not just the symptoms


Goal—to effect better outcomes for Mental Health Court participants

Consequences—sanctions for not following the individualized program of counseling, medications, abstinence, and court appearances

Incentives—using positive reinforcement , the Judge encourages and persuades



Encouragement is the first step

to success


The “X” Factor

Real persuasion cannot occur

without a significant relationship


Celebrating individual and collective success, no matter how small


The program is administered in three phases, approximately four months each, and

culminates with graduation and dismissal of the original charges.


Collaboration

None of us is as smart as all of us

One entity cannot accomplish the goal of improved safety and well being for mentally ill offenders single-handedly

—It takes the synergy of many working

together as a cohesive team

Polk County Mental Health Court and NAMI Polk County Collaboration

This unique partnership works to bridge the gap between the mental health community and the criminal justice system for an improved continuum of care for the court-involved mentally

ill.


Peer-to-Peer is taught in the Courthouse, after program participants appear before the Judge

The Judge persuades and encourages participation in Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education courses.

Through judicial influence, NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer principles are put into action as the Judge reinforces each participant’s need to establish and maintain wellness and recovery

Peer-to-Peer mentors encourage and support Mental Health Court participants as they endeavor to meet the terms of their individualized programs of counseling, medications, abstinence, and court appearances


Collaboration


The Polk County Team Circuit Judge *NAMI Affiliate Executive Director*County Judge *Peer to Peer Mentor/ Consumer

Rep*State’s Attorney *Community Mental Health

Providers*Public Defender SAMH Program Office/ Florida DCF*Case Workers County Commissioners *Probation Representative Corrections Officers*Trial Court Administration Sheriff*Pre-trial Services Homeless Program

Representative*MHC Coordinator Family Member of Consumer State Detention

* Participate in weekly staff meetings with presiding Judge to discuss progress of and suggest direction for court participants


CollaborationHow did NAMI became part of the team?

Did the homework Showed up Volunteered Developed relationships Showed commitment


CollaborationHOMEWORK EXAMPLES GAINS Center

www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov

National Center for State Courts Online Toolkit

www.ncsconline.org

As you research, try to identify experts named in studies who can

be a resource for you and don’t be afraid to contact them!

http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/

http://www.ncsconline.org/


Collaboration

SHOW UP

Watch for meeting notices and show up consistently

Bring your homework to the table Offer what you have Use every meeting as an opportunity to build relationships


CollaborationVOLUNTEER (1)

When committees are formed, volunteer to be on one. This is the place where you can begin to voice the NAMI perspective.

Always have relevant and sound NAMI stats or research with you to validate your input.


Collaboration

VOLUNTEER (2)

Volunteer your NAMI resources Peer-to-Peer classes Brochures Support group opportunities Any other resource the court might need

that you have to offer


CollaborationDEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS Introduce yourself to the Judge and his aids Participate in community groups Connect with CIT leadership College and university connections County and state legislators

The bottom line: Your network is your greatest

asset!


Collaboration

SHOW COMMITMENT Attend meetings Be available Be committed to finding solutions Go the extra mile to be a team

member


CollaborationPartnership Notes

NAMI office can refer cases to MHC NAMI staff and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) mentors have input

related to the court’s relationship with Mental Health Court participants and may advocate for them

Court has helped with NAMI fundraising events Presiding Judge and Court staff attend Peer to Peer

graduation receptions Court offers classroom use in courthouse for P2P classes Those attending P2P are the first cases on the docket

each week to allow timely attendance in class


CollaborationMentor Observations Drug use is more prevalent among MHC participants MHC classes are slower to bond as a group Once trust is established, deep bonds develop between

participants Judge’s positive reinforcement motivates students to do their best Background information learned at staffings help mentors

understand the needs of participants and aids in relationship building

Many participants are learning about their illnesses for the first time

Story telling usually centers around the event that led them into the court system

Negative vibes from Court sometimes carry into the classroom, but are viewed as teachable moments as mentors offer a safe venue to express frustration and illustrate the use of coping skills


CollaborationMentors agree that leading Peer-to-Peer for Mental Health Court is especially meaningful as they witness and celebrate positive lifestyle and attitude changes among participants.

Collaboration Faces

Collaboration Faces

The Judge champions Peer-to-Peer principles from a judicial vantage point, and at the same time the Peer-to-Peer

mentors support participants as they work their individualized programs.

Consequently, this partnership is exceptionally innovative as well as

beneficial for each participant as they work hard at wellness and recovery.


Collaboration

the honorable robert williams administrative judge polk county court cathy hatch executive director...

Documents

mental health treatment

mental health community

mental illnesses

persons mental health

goal of improved safety

safety net

misdemeanor criminal

improved continuum of