Train judges and court professionals

Judges and court staff–including public defenders, prosecutors, and pretrial services personnel–are trained to recognize and respond to people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system.

For more information on this intervention, see these resources:

• Judges' and Psychiatrists' Leadership Initiative
• Judges' Guide to Mental Illnesses in the Courtroom

Local Examples

Dougherty County, GA Dougherty County Mental Health Court (MHC)

• In addition to providing specialty court services, this MHC delivers training on mental health issues in collaboration with behavioral health partners, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
• The court also provides crisis intervention team (CIT) training to court professionals across the country.

For more information on this example, see this resource:

• Dougherty County Mental Health Court Snapshot