PINELLAS MENTAL HEALTH COURT OFFERS DEFENDANTS A SECOND CHANCE
Defendants with a mental illness now have an alternative to the criminal justice system thanks to the Pinellas County Mental Health Court.
A Tampa man was recently showcased in a success story after they were charged with criminal mischief and attempted burglary. After entering and being in the mental health program for just a year, he's sober, in a treatment center, and committed to continued treatment.
The court is attempting to improve lives and reduce mental illness-related criminal cases and the mental health program offers a great opportunity for many potential defendants.
Up to 39 months of treatment are available in
a collaborative effort also involving therapists and treatment centers.
Over $550,000 in funds for the program for two years was recently secured with a federal grant. The funds will cover 40 defendants annually.
With other successful mental health courts in the region, optimism for these types of programs is expanding.
