Behavioral Health Court

About Us

The 22nd JDC Behavioral Health Court (“BHC”) is a problem-solving court established to work one on one with people suffering with mental illness/co-occurring disorders and also involved with the criminal justice system. Judge Peter Garcia founded and presided over BHC from inception in November, 2011 through February, 2020. Judge Alan Zaunbrecher currently presides over this problem solving court. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of St. Tammany, a mental health advocacy organization, is an integral part of the BHC.

Mission

Reduce recidivism of individuals in the criminal justice system that have mental illness/co-occurring disorders and provide community protection with a cost effective, integrated continuum of care through the utilization of community resources. The court is used as a therapeutic agent to improve the quality of lives within the community. By holding defendants accountable and helping them to achieve long-term stability, participants become law abiding citizens and successful family and community members.

Program Requirements

BHC is voluntary, Though included as a condition of probation. Benefits of successful completion may include reduction in the term of probation, dismissal of criminal charges, and reduced or suspended incarceration.

General Program Requirements Include:

Adherence to scheduled sessions, meetings, and appointments made by the providers
Medication Adherence
Compliance with Drug and Alcohol testing
Attendance at regular court appearances

Referral and Eligibility

Potential participants may be identified at the time of arrest, arraignment or probation revocation hearing and are referred by judges, defense counsel, district attorneys, and probation officers. The problem-solving courts of the 22nd JDC of Louisiana work collaboratively to ensure the most appropriate placement for non-violent offenders. Defendants are screened for eligibility. Passing the screening process does not guarantee admission into the program. Acceptance is made on a case-by-case basis.

General Eligibility Includes:

Evidence of a serious and persistent mental illness (as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.)
Defendant has been convicted and sentenced (post-adjudication) and is eligible for probation (misdemeanor or felony). Individuals charged with murder or sex offenses are not eligible.
A mental health issue was likely a factor in the offense.
Defendant’s mental illness has seriously impacted quality of life and without added conditions of the court is likely to become non-compliant.
Willing and amenable to behavioral health treatment and the recommendations of the treatment provider.
Has the mental and cognitive capacity to handle the structure of BHC.
Has a valid home address in St. Tammany parish. If defendant lives in Washington Parish, he/she must have reliable transportation to attend status hearings.
Willing to sign releases of information to all necessary treatment providers and collaborators.
Agree to refrain from alcohol and drug use (other than approved medications).
Submit to random drug testing.

Case Management

Participants are assigned a case manager once the defendant has been assessed as eligible for the program. The participant is oriented to the BHC program and an individualized case plan is developed. The case manager will help the participant connect with appropriate treatment resources and communicate regularly with the participant’s provider. Linkages to other services and resources are provided as needed such as transportation, self-help meetings, peer support services, and housing. Monitoring by the case manager includes overseeing compliance with required activities such as drug screens and attendance at treatment appointments. The case manager is responsible for collecting and reporting information to the court at weekly staffings held prior the status hearings.